In 2012, a moment at the American Music Awards involving pop sensation Justin Bieber and actress-host Jenny McCarthy stirred controversy. During the event, Bieber, then 18 years old, had just won the award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album. As he approached the stage to accept his award, McCarthy, who was presenting, shocked viewers by kissing Bieber on the cheek and neck, followed by grabbing his rear.

The unexpected interaction left Bieber visibly surprised and uncomfortable on stage. While McCarthy seemed to be playing up the moment for humor, the incident drew immediate reactions both at the venue and online. Social media erupted with divided opinions—some found the moment playful, while others saw it as inappropriate, considering Bieber had just reached adulthood.

In the days following the event, McCarthy addressed the moment, joking about it in interviews. She commented that she got “a little cougar crazy” around the young pop star and that she had caught “Bieber Fever.” However, her light-hearted response didn’t sit well with everyone, as many criticized the power dynamic and argued that if the roles had been reversed—if a male presenter had kissed and groped a young female artist—it would have sparked much stronger backlash.

Bieber, for his part, didn’t publicly dwell on the incident, instead focusing on his career, which was soaring at the time. However, the 2012 AMAs moment remains a notable example of the blurred lines between humor, celebrity interactions, and inappropriate behavior at high-profile events. The controversy continues to be referenced in discussions around acceptable conduct onstage and the treatment of young celebrities.