Alicia Keys didn’t wear makeup to the VMAs and some people couldn't cope

Of all the big moments that grabbed our attention at this year’s VMAs, Alicia Keys’ no makeup movement was one that surprisingly caused the biggest backlash on social media.
Earlier in the year, the singer wrote a feature for LennyLetter in which she announced that she was no longer going to be wearing makeup, as part of a journey to uncover herself and stop trying to fit societal expectations.
Even taking this into account, some fans and members of the Twittersphere were not happy with her decision to attend this year's VMAs bare-faced.
How mad is Alicia Keyes that she is totally committed to that no makeup thing? #VMAs
— Marielle (@TheNolaChick) August 29, 2016
"Alicia Keys is taking this no makeup thing too far. It's the #VMAs .. put on some mascara."
— Snackie Aina 😋 (@LxKelseyB) August 29, 2016
- @_KeLOLO
Alicia Keys and this no make up thing was okay at first but now she needs to put on some makeup #VMAs
— Zachary Bess (@TheZacharyBess) August 29, 2016
Since her appearance Keys has taken to the platform to defend herself.
Y'all, me choosing to be makeup free doesn't mean I'm anti-makeup. Do you! 😘😘 pic.twitter.com/Mg0Ug9YA9q
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) August 29, 2016
But we’ll let you in on a little secret … most of the men weren't wearing any makeup either.
*GASP*