Mary J. Blige was ‘pissed’ when Diana Ross touched Lil’ Kim’s breast at 1999 VMAs
Mary J. Blige opens up about the 1999 VMAs moment when she and Lil Kim presented Diana Ross with an award.
One of the most memorable moments in MTV Video Music Awards history was not appreciated by all participants.
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Mary J Blige recently opened up about the moment Diana Ross touched the Lil’ Kim’s pasty-covered breast on the national stage during the 1999 Awards. The Brooklyn rapper’s now-iconic purple look, styled and designed by Misa Hylton–Brim, featured the Queen B in a purple wig, frosty purple lipstick, and a figure-framing purple pantsuit.
Completed by matching purple platform heels, Lil’ Kim turned heads as one of her breasts was covered by only the pasty. The Jump Off rapper wore the outfit the duration of the night, including onstage to introduce Ms. Ross, alongside MJB.
As the women hugged, the Motown icon tapped Kim’s breast before embracing her and addressing the audience. Blige seemed fine with it at the podium, however, she’s now sharing how uncomfortable she felt.
During a virtual conversation with host Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, the Queen Of Hip Hop-Soul says that in the moment, she was “pissed.”
“I was embarrassed for Kim and I was pissed when that happened because that’s my little sister and my friend,” Blige told Cohen.
“Kim is courageous. She’s gon’ do what Kim does, so I think we all should respect it like we should respect Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj and Cardi. Respect Lil’ Kim. This is what they do. Respect them,” Blige said.
During the 2019 Essence Festival, Lil Kim herself reflected on the moment, now engraved in pop culture history. “How do you top the purple pasty on the boob?” she remarked when speaking on her own iconic moments.
“Now that’s legendary. The boss. I love Diana Ross. I always say, if I did a movie about my life, she would play my mom, and I told her that.”
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The 1999 VMAs are not the only moment in R&B diva history Blige breaks down for Cohen. The two discuss her relationships with Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, and more.
View the conversation below:
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