Bad Bunny’s knees don’t quite work like they used to.
The "DtMF" artist (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) was noticeably absent from 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at New York's UBS Arena Sept. 7.
And that’s because the musician was busy performing onstage during the latest concert of his No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico—though he seemed to injure his knee in the process.
In videos shared to social media Sept. 7, the 31-year-old enthusiastically jumped up and down to the beat—until he suddenly stopped and grabbed his knee before limping off the stage.
While Bad Bunny didn’t end up making an appearance at the VMAs, the Caught Stealing actor was up for four awards at this year's show, including Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Long Form Video and Best Latin Song.
And in each of his categories, the competition was certainly stacked. After all, Bad Bunny faced off against Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd for Artist of the Year.
Meanwhile, the musician's "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" earned a nod alongside J Balvin's “Rio,” Karol G's “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Peso Pluma's “LA PATRULLA,” Rauw Alejandro and Romeo Santos' “Khé?” and Shakira's “Soltera“ for Best Latin Song.
And though Bad Bunny is grateful to be recognized at award shows, he doesn't feel like he needs public acceptance to create work he feels proud of.
“Maybe at the very beginning of my career, I tried to pretend I was someone that I’m not, but I learnt that that’s the way artists lose themselves,” he told Harper's Bazaar in 2022. “It’s because they forgot about themselves—them as a person—and invented a fictitious personality.”
And that confidence in himself has extended into his fashion choices as well.
“I’m taking advantage of this moment in my life when I can do whatever I want and wear what I want, so I get to live life more authentically,” Bad Bunny explained. “I don’t do it to become more famous or to call attention or to disrespect anyone. People on the outside can think that I have a strategy or I wear this to call for attention, but in reality, I just know who I am.”
To see all the stars who did step out in style at the 2025 VMAs, keep reading.
Lady Gaga
In Marc Jacobs.
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Jessica Simpson
In Christian Siriano.
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Ice Spice
In Ralph Lauren.
Paris Hilton
In The Blonds.
FKA twigs
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Lenny Kravitz
In Saint Laurent.
Ciara
In Schiaparelli.
Taylor Momsen
Alix Earle
In Tom Ford.
Tyla
In vintage Chanel.
Ricky Martin
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Nicky Hilton
Yungblud
Ashlee Simpson
Malin Akerman
Brittany Snow
Summer Walker
With a Simitri bag.
Megan Moroney
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Sexxy Red
Nikki Glaser
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
KATSEYE
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ty Dolla $ign