Theory emerges claiming Kanye West’s 2009 VMA interruption saved Taylor Swift

A viral TikTok theory suggests Kanye West’s 2009 VMA interruption was to protect Taylor Swift from Diddy’s influence.

A theory circulating on TikTok suggests that Kanye West's infamous 2009 VMA interruption, where he declared that Beyoncé deserved the Best Female Video award, was actually an attempt to protect Taylor Swift from getting involved with Diddy. According to the theory, by driving a wedge between Swift and Beyoncé, West kept her from falling into the alleged influence of Diddy, who the theory claims preys on young artists. However, there is no substantial evidence supporting this claim.

The theory has sparked online discussions, but many are skeptical. As one TikTok user, @jxlia_jblk, stated, "Maybe Kanye is right about all the Diddy stuff, but he certainly wasn't protecting Taylor in any way." The user added, "What he did to her was, is, and will be very wrong."

The theory also attempts to connect West’s 2016 music video for "Famous" to this idea, claiming that the bed featured in the video, which includes a Taylor Swift look-alike, symbolizes Diddy’s alleged misconduct. However, the widely accepted reason for the VMA interruption is simply West’s opinion that Beyoncé deserved the award.

While some may find the theory intriguing, most evidence suggests that West’s actions at the 2009 VMAs were motivated by his belief in Beyoncé’s superiority in the category, rather than any protective intentions toward Swift.