Controversy
Host Russell Brand made controversial remarks which were not taken well by some in the United States. He urged Americans to vote for Barack Obama and called President George W. Bush a "retarded cowboy fella".
Additionally, one of Brand's jokes during the night centered around purity rings, specifically those worn by the Jonas Brothers. Jordin Sparks, who also wears a purity ring, began her introduction of T.I. and Rihanna by saying "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut." Sparks was criticized for implying that those who do not wear purity rings or do not abstain are promiscuous.
Read more about this topic: 2008 MTV Video Music Awards
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