Publicist: Stefani Not Snubbing VMAs

(CBS)  Gwen Stefani's publicist says a report that the singer will not attend the MTV Video Music Awards because she feels she was snubbed last year is "complete fiction."

The New York Post's Page Six reported that Stefani, the lead singer of No Doubt, was boycotting the show because several awards she was nominated for went to the first "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson, who won best female video and best pop video for "Since U Been Gone." The Post also reported that Stefani thought she would close the show, an honor which also went to Clarkson.

Stefani didn't go home empty handed last year — she took home Diddy's unofficial prize for best dressed, and her video for "Hollaback Girl" won for best choreography (it was choreographed by Kishaya Dudley) and "What You Waiting For" won for best art direction (Zach Mathews was the art director.)

The Post also reported that Stefani felt she was "set up" because each time the winner was announced, the camera immediately focused on her.

"It's not true at all," publicist Dave Tomberlin told The ShowBuzz via email.

The Video Music Awards will be held Thursday night in New York City, where Stefani happens to be staying.

On Monday, she attended the U.S. Open's kick-off festivities with her 3-month-old son, Kingston, but she plans to bypass this year's VMAs, according Tomberlin.

"Gwen is indeed in N.Y. prepping for Fashion Week," he said.

Last year, Stefani debuted her funky, Japanese-inspired clothing line, L.A.M.B, during New York's fashion week with an extravagant fashion show. This year, Stefani has a more intimate presentation, which includes her new line of luxury handbags she designed with SportSac creator, Tim Schifter.
By Caitlin Johnson