Red carpet outfits aside, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have not been without controversy this year.

This time, it’s largely thanks to the acceptance speech from award winner Calvin Harris.

Unable to attend the annual New York event due to his touring schedule, the Scottish DJ was awarded the highly coveted Best Male Video award for his single “This Is What You Came For” (which also features Rihanna) by Alicia Keys, and delivered his acceptance speech via video message.

But it’s what he didn’t say through the speech that has gotten people so riled up.

Harris and Swift during happier times. Source: Getty Images. 

"Wow! Wow! First of all, I'm so sorry I can't be there, I have a show tonight in the UK or else I would definitely be there. MTV, this is crazy," the 32-year-old began.

"I need to thank Rihanna from the bottom of my heart. You're a superstar, every time we work together you bring something magical to the project, so thank you," he continued.

"Emil Nava, the director you're a legend, you're my favourite man on earth, thank you for everything you've done for me. And everybody who supported this song, who watched the video, I love you so much.

"Thank you. This is amazing. I love you. Thank you, MTV."

Calvin Harris during his VMAs acceptance speech. Source: Getty Images. 

Umm... not to be a party pooper, but where was the shout out to Harris' co-writer of the super hit, Taylor Swift?

Sure, the pair have recently gone through a pretty awful breakup and that obviously makes things pretty murky and ugly, but romance aside, Swift's professional contribution to the song remains.

And in an industry rife with sexism towards women, recognising the contribution of women is imperative to making advances towards gender equality.

Plus, just credit where credit is bloody well due, you know?

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris. Source: Getty Images. 

In an acceptance speech of her own earlier this year, Swift called the industry inequality out, warning hopeful female musicians.

"There are going to be people along the way to try and undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame. But if you just focus on the work and you don't let those people sidetrack you, someday, when you get where you're going, you'll look around and you will know that it was you."

"This Is What You Came For", which Swift was credited for under a pen name, was rumoured to play a part in their breakup, with Swift being upset that Harris consistently failed to acknowledge her contribution to its creation when asked about it publicly.

But with Harris taking swipes at his ex on Twitter and Instagram since their breakup, the snub is hardly surprising by this point.