Nick Cannon claimed his rap alter ego Murda Count Harlem, not him, kissed Ashanti on the hand at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Many were confused when Cannon showed up on the VMA red carpet on Sunday with red faux locs and glittery timbs with an equally shiny bulletproof vest, per Rap Up.
Nick Cannon wildin’ out #VMAs pic.twitter.com/4TsKbTGjrZ
— Rap-Up (@RapUp) September 13, 2021
The chatter really popped off when Cannon, I mean, Murda Count Harlem dropped to his knees and kissed Ashanti on her hand in front of a wall of photographers. Viewers appeared to be worried Ashanti could become the father-of-seven’s next baby mama.
Nick Cannon done kissed Ashanti’s hand. Welp, here comes baby Cannon #8
— Kαe…Dα Cαɴdle Hιppιe🕯 (@kaekay79) September 13, 2021
“Nick Cannon done kissed Ashanti’s hand. Welp, here comes baby Cannon #8,” one person joked.
Nick adding Ashanti to his BM list like an infinity stone pic.twitter.com/k4lExkBziE
— BIG E IS WWE CHAMPION (@realdealAneil) September 13, 2021
As soon as Nick Cannon Touched Ashanti Hand everyone was like. #VMAs pic.twitter.com/Pgy7uEb3SU
— Anthony Tilghman (@AnthonyTilghman) September 13, 2021
“What.The.Fuck is on Nick Cannon’s head…ALSO Ashanti ass better run away if she know what’s good for her,” another person commented.
What.The.Fuck is on Nick Cannon’s head…ALSO Ashanti ass better run away if she know what’s good for her😭💀 https://t.co/5sH5vGZXDG
— Somebody’s bearded son❤️🔥 (@Im_your_papi) September 13, 2021
The following day, the Wild’N Out host provided a weird explanation for his award show antics. Based on the talk show plug at the end, it’s giving publicity stunt.
View this post on Instagram
“Usually I don’t address this social media gossip but after my name was trending WORLDWIDE again for something I didn’t do, I have to say y’all trippin on this on!” Cannon posted on Instagram. “I have a brand new Talk show coming out September 27th! Why would I go to the VMA’s like this!? I heard this some corny new rapper named @MurdaCountHarlem I see no resemblance #respectfully.”
Thankfully, Ashanti is a good sport and admitted she didn’t know the man smooching her wrist was Cannon.
“I didn’t even know what was you..” she wrote on her Instagram story.
The singer also shared a meme poking fun at the VMA moment and Cannon’s fertility.
WAYMENT 😩 It's good to see Ashanti & Nick Cannon laughing at this because it is hilarious 🤣😭 📸:(@gettyimages ) pic.twitter.com/YjDOSeavBQ
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) September 14, 2021
“Y’all better stop playing with me,” Ashanti wrote followed by several laughing emojis.
Murda Count Harlem has not addressed the controversy.
