Why Did So Many Female Artists Have to Dodge Unwanted Kisses at the VMAs?

On Sunday night, I definitely shrieked when Drake walked up onstage at the VMAs and then proceeded to deliver the most heartfelt speech about Rihanna. It was damn cute. And I continued shrieking when he went in for a kiss and was skillfully dodged by Rih. You know the moment I'm talking about.

Part of me wanted it to happened—because, wow, cinema—but then more photos surfaced that indicated it was a nightlong goal of Drake's to plant one on RiRi. Okay, sure, can't knock a guy for trying. But, like, can't you?

Lest we forget, earlier in the night, Britney Spears returned to her rightful throne (the VMAs stage) for a performance with G-Eazy. He also leaned in for a kiss.

And now I'm left just wondering why? Why can't the stage be a safe space for female performers to ooze sex appeal without being reduced to a sexual object by a guy's advances?

Rihanna's discomfort in that moment was palpable and that's totally unfair. She *owned* the VMAs stage on Sunday night and won the most prestigious award of the evening, and yet we're mainly talking about Drake's unrequited love. Sexual tension on stage is a entertaining device—sure—but when the female performer is not game, I'm no longer on board.

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