VMAs Introduce 2 Strict Bans for 2025 – And It's Not Only About Clothing

The two strict bans represent a significant shift from previous years, as the awards show will now be broadcast on a different network.

It was once the most chaotic, unfiltered, and scandalous night on television — but in 2025, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are trading in their fishnets for primetime pearls. In a jaw-dropping twist that's left industry insiders and longtime fans reeling, the VMAs will no longer air on their home turf of MTV.

Instead, they're headed for CBS, bringing with them a dramatic crackdown on everything that once made the show so unforgettable. And with this highly controlled network move comes a new era of strict censorship in the form of two bans.

For over four decades, the MTV VMAs have held a reputation unlike any other event in entertainment. It's not just an awards show — it's been a televised rebellion, a glitter-drenched, neon-lit rejection of the status quo. Long deemed the "wildest night in music," the VMAs have been a cultural playground where artists not only performed, but often redefined what was acceptable on national television.

From the very beginning, the VMAs leaned into shock value. The inaugural 1984 ceremony at New York City's Radio City Music Hall set the tone, featuring Madonna's now-iconic performance of "Like a Virgin."

In the years that followed, the VMAs became a runway for provocation. Whether it was Rose McGowan's barely-there, chainmail dress in 1998 or Lil Kim's infamous purple jumpsuit with one exposed breast — covered only by a shimmering pasty — the red carpet turned into a performance of its own.

Lady Gaga's raw meat dress in 2010 made headlines around the world, and Miley Cyrus's 2013 latex two-piece and twerking routine with Robin Thicke was dubbed the "twerk seen around the world." More recently, Megan Fox's see-through Mugler dress in 2021 revived the VMAs' reputation for letting fashion flirt with nudity.

But in 2025, the VMAs as we know them are undergoing a dramatic transformation. After 40 years of broadcasting exclusively on MTV, the event will air for the first time on CBS — a seismic shift that has already reshaped what viewers can expect from this year's broadcast.

The decision comes amid a sharp ratings decline, with interest in the once-must-watch awards show plummeting to a historic low in 2021. In response, Paramount Global — the parent company of both MTV and CBS — made the call to move the VMAs to CBS in hopes of reviving its mainstream appeal.

Unlike MTV, which, as a cable channel, operates with relatively relaxed content standards, CBS must adhere to strict Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations that limit what can air during prime-time television.

As a result, two new bans are being enforced for 2025: one restricting overly revealing clothing, and the other prohibiting profanity or unscripted swearing during the live broadcast.

A source familiar with the production told The U.S. Sun, "The content and language on MTV is much more lenient, making this an interesting year for the VMAs." And the word "interesting" may be putting it lightly.

According to reports, representatives for top stars had already been contacted ahead of this year's VMAs. They received a warning to scale back their clients' wardrobe choices. While the red carpet was still expected to feature glamorous and sultry looks, the network drew a hard line against the near-naked ensembles that have defined VMA history.

Extremely raunchy looks, such as sheer dresses and nipple-baring outfits, are now off-limits. It's not just about fashion either.

As the second strict ban, CBS executives are also clamping down on language, aiming to avoid any unplanned expletives slipping through during acceptance speeches or performances.

"Revealing outfits and unplanned profanity are the two main causes of concern for the network," the source explained. "They're hoping for a fun night, but attendees still need to behave properly."

Despite the crackdown, this isn't CBS's first rodeo when it comes to live music events. The network has long hosted the Grammy Awards, which have had their own share of edgy moments while still staying within broadcast boundaries.

Adding to the complexity is CBS's core audience. The network has the oldest prime-time viewership among all broadcast channels, with a median age of 67, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That's a far cry from the youthful, pop-culture-savvy demographic MTV was built around.

As such, the VMAs are not only navigating new legal standards, but also an entirely different cultural expectation — one that is not as receptive to past levels of outrageousness.

The 2025 MTV VMAs will air today, September 7, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST on CBS, and will also be simulcast on MTV and streamed via Paramount+.

Over the years, the VMAs have delivered some of the most unforgettable and provocative fashion moments in pop culture history.

Here are a few photos showing some of the wildest, boldest, and most talked-about outfits ever to hit the VMA red carpet:

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