Selena Gomez Declares She’ll “Never Be a Meme Again” After MTV VMAs 2023 Appearance

Selena Gomez is ready to keep her hands facial expressions to herself. 

After some of her reactions from the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards audience began circulating on social media, the 31-year-old took to her Instagram to make a statement. 

"I will never be a meme again," she wrote over a black background on her Story after the Sept. 12 ceremony. "I'd rather sit still than be dragged for being myself. Much love."

And though Selena has previously seemed to take her meme-ification in stride—including when she went viral for her reactions to watching Lionel Messi play soccer and after she shared an image of herself wrapped in a blanket—this time, she seems to be putting her foot down.

The award show was an otherwise successful evening for Selena, who took home a "moon man" for Best Afrobeats alongside Rema for their collaboration on "Calm Down," which was nominated for a total of four categories. (See the complete list of winners HERE.)

And of course, one of the Only Murders in the Building star's biggest supporters? BFF Taylor Swift was caught by the cameras jumping up and down with her hands in the air after Selena's win was announced.

The two had a sweet moment together earlier in the evening as well, when the pair hugged on camera while hanging out in the audience. The interaction also showed off both of the singers' outfits—Selena stunned in a floral-inspired red beaded gown from Oscar de la Renta while Tay kept it edgy in a black Versace halter dress.

To see those looks and more from the 2023 VMAs, keep reading. 

In Dolce & Gabbana.

In Versace dress and Ariel Saidian, Anita Ko, and Maria Tash jewelry.

In Dilara Findikoglu.

In Versace.

In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

In Oscar De La Renta.

Her in Mônot.

In Oscar de la Renta dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.

In Brandon Blackwood.

In Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Melissa Kaye jewelry.

In Coach dress and Simon G jewelry.

In Jason Wu.

In Shushutong.

In Palomo Spain.

In Area.

In Maticevski.

In Alexandre Vauthier.

In Givenchy.

In Schiaparelli.

In Moschino.

In Ashi Studio dress and Jacob & Co. jewelry.

In Roberto Cavalli.

In David Koma.