Flavor Flav Delivers on Promise to Jordan Chiles, Gifts Custom Diamond-Encrusted Bronze Clock at 2024 MTV VMAs
In a heartwarming moment, Flavor Flav, the legendary Public Enemy founding member and hypeman, surprised Jordan Chiles, the U.S.A. gymnast, with a custom diamond-encrusted bronze clock at the 2024 MTV VMAs on September 11. The surprise gift came after Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a controversy surrounding her floor routine score.
Flav, 65, took the stage with Chiles, saying, "I just want to turn this into a little Olympic moment for a second if y’all don’t mind. Ay yo Jordan, I know they tried to take your medal away from you, but you know what? I got you something that they can’t take away from you." He then presented the oversized bronze clock around her neck.
Chiles, 23, was visibly emotional, responding, "Wow, I don’t even know what to say here. Thank you so much." The gesture was a testament to Flav’s promise made last month, when he offered Chiles a signature clock of her own, as he’s worn them around his neck for decades. "Ayyy YOOOO @ChilesJordan,,, imma make you a BRONZE CLOCK NECKLACE," he wrote on Twitter at the time. "And that’s something NO ONE else has,!!! Hit me up my girl,,, I gotchu,!!!" He paired the post with a gif of him wearing a patriotic Team USA outfit.
Chiles earned her spot of third place last month after her coach submitted an inquiry about her floor routine score. Her original score was 13.666, which placed her fifth, but after the inquiry, her score was bumped up to 13.766, landing her at third place. However, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, claiming Chiles’ inquiry was made after the one-minute deadline, resulting in her having to return her bronze medal. Team USA appealed the decision, but it was unsuccessful.
Following the controversy, Chiles released a statement about her bronze medal retraction, expressing her gratitude for the support she received during the difficult time. "I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG, and the USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time," she began. "I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country."
