Twelve years after a red carpet moment went unnoticed by many, a resurfaced video featuring Zendaya and Lady Gaga has ignited a frenzy on social media.
The 2013 clip from the American Music Awards (AMAs) has left fans of both superstars divided and stirred an unexpected controversy that refuses to fade.
In the now-viral footage, Zendaya, then just 16 and best known for her Disney Channel role in Shake It Up, approaches Gaga—then at the peak of her fame following hits like Born This Way and Die With a Smile. The video shows Zendaya attempting to introduce herself, only to be seemingly brushed off by Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
What has truly shocked viewers is the moment where Gaga appears to hand over her microphone to Zendaya mid-interview before continuing her chat with Glee actress Jenna Ushkowitz. The gesture, whether intentional or not, left young Zendaya visibly stunned and awkward. Fans believe this moment was not just dismissive—it was humiliating.
Now, over a decade later, the clip has ignited a virtual war between Zendaya’s supporters and Gaga’s fiercely loyal fanbase, known as the Little Monsters. “Zendaya didn’t deserve that kind of treatment,” one user tweeted. “Even at 16, she carried herself with more grace than most adults.” Another fired back with, “Zendaya was just a Disney star back then. Gaga didn’t even know her!”
Things took a more heated turn when a Zendaya fan threw shade at Gaga’s recent film Joker: Folie à Deux, calling it a “massive flop,” triggering a flood of responses. “Gaga handing her the mic was iconic,” one fan clapped back. “Zendaya is way too overrated anyway.”
Others tried to cool the flames, noting that both women have evolved tremendously. Zendaya is now a Hollywood powerhouse and Emmy winner, while Lady Gaga has won Oscars and is lauded for her acting talent.
While some insist Gaga was simply shy or caught in the moment, others believe Zendaya deserved better. Regardless, the viral clip has reawakened a debate that shows no sign of dying down soon.