Finn Wolfhard criticised after referencing Kanye West Taylor Swift VMA moment during performance

The 'Stranger Things' star was performing an unreleased track when he included the infamous line from the awards show

Finn Wolfhard has faced online criticism after referencing the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards interruption involving Kanye West and Taylor Swift during a recent performance.

The Stranger Things actor was filmed performing an unreleased track when he included the widely recognised line from the awards show incident. During the performance, he sang, “Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you imma let you finish but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time,” echoing the moment that interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech.

pic.twitter.com/kqfu8CEPiV

— Cinesque (@cinesquetv) April 16, 2026

The reference to the controversial event prompted mixed reactions online, with some viewers questioning the decision to revisit the incident more than a decade later. Several social media users criticised the inclusion, expressing discomfort with the choice.

One user wrote, “Sampling a n/zi who jumped a 19yo girl, he is so cocky for this,” while another commented, “What a weirdo. Why is he sampling a n*zi? Embarrassing loser.” Additional reactions included, “He thought he was being funny with this but this is sooooo cringe,” and “Why would he think this is a good idea bro.”

Some fans noted that Wolfhard also referenced parts of Swift’s original acceptance speech before performing the line associated with West.

cool now here’s the FULL vid where he sings Taylor’s part too! https://t.co/kLL6WtmxeL pic.twitter.com/hlXNm13mho

— st lover (@mmayfields9) April 16, 2026

The viral clip comes as Wolfhard hinted at new music, sharing a studio image on social media alongside the caption “You got the money honey, I got the time.” The phrase is believed to be a lyric from the unreleased track.

You got the money honey, I got the time https://t.co/JvbDbxgvpo pic.twitter.com/bXZvY2Ft2x

— Finn Wolfhard (@finnwolfhard) April 15, 2026

While the performance has drawn criticism, some fans have suggested the controversial line may not appear in the final version of the song.