Tyla Body-Shamed After VMAs Appearance: ‘That Waist Is Getting Bigger’

Tyla’s glamorous night at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards was overshadowed online after social media users turned their attention from her fashion and presenting duties to her body.

By Yvonne FrancisOct. 1, 2026 1:24 pm CAT

South African Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla walked into the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards ready for another major international spotlight — but somehow, the internet decided her waist was the real headline.

The Water hitmaker attended the ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Sunday, 27 September, where she joined the evening’s star-studded line-up as a presenter. Tyla’s VMAs appearance included introducing BLACKPINK’s Lisa before the K-pop superstar took to the stage for her performance.

And fashion-wise? Tyla certainly did not arrive quietly. She stepped onto the scene wearing a blue snakeskin-print bra paired with an ultra-low-rise pencil skirt from Mowalola’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, finishing the look with a matching teal choker and snakeskin-effect pointed-toe stilettos.

But while the outfit and her presenting moment gave fans plenty to talk about, Tyla’s body became the unexpected subject of a social-media pile-on.

Photos and clips from the evening prompted some X users to comment on what they perceived as changes to the singer’s body. Rather than simply discussing the outfit, several commenters zeroed in on her waist and accused the star of gaining weight.

@galactafentys commented, “her waist is already fading away…. now what is she gonna do since that was the only thing carrying her career.”

@goddessswomen commented, “i honestly can’t believe that tyla is already getting fat. her career is barely starting and she’s already looking like rihanna in the current days. somebody needs to tell her to lock in asap, cause this girl had the waist of a fucking goddess one year ago.”

@ThomasIsABarb wrote, “That waist is getting bigger and bigger chi.”

Tyla Body-Shaming Sparks Pushback Online

Not everyone was prepared to join the body commentary, though. Tyla’s body-shaming backlash quickly became a conversation of its own, with other social-media users calling out the decision to scrutinise a woman’s appearance so intensely.

@pop1con commented, “Sorry, but Tyla being body shamed while being genuinely fit is kinda scary because it shows how far back we’re regressing when it comes to body image.”

@mikeynu_sa also came to Tyla’s defence, writing, “Reading these comments makes me realise how soulless people become when they are faceless. This girl is also human, she’s not perfect. You guys find the smallest things to btch about but yet you’re not perfect either. Post a picture of your perfect body then comment.”