The band had wanted to play the song during their appearance at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards , but the network insisted they play their breakthrough single " Smells Like Teen Spirit " instead . Amy Finnerty , an MTV employee and friend of the band 's , recalled that Cobain was initially excited when he presented " Rape Me " to MTV at the first rehearsal , and he " acted like it was a gift . " However , Finnerty was later lectured by the network on the band 's choice of song , which they believed was about them , despite Finnerty 's insistence to the contrary . The ongoing argument between MTV and Cobain escalated , with MTV threatening to cut Nirvana from the show , to stop playing the band 's music videos , and even to boycott other artists on the band 's management company , Gold Mountain , such as Sonic Youth or the Beastie Boys . Cobain only relented after being informed that MTV would fire Finnerty if the band played " Rape Me . " To the surprise of the network 's executives , Nirvana appeared at the final rehearsal on the day of the show , with Cobain holding and swinging Finnerty 's hand as they walked down the aisle , as a show of support for Finnerty . At the start of the performance that night , Cobain played a few seconds of " Rape Me , " which he later said he did " just to give MTV a little heart palpitation " . MTV were allegedly about to switch to a commercial when Cobain stopped playing " Rape Me , " and started playing their latest single , " Lithium " instead
1992 MTV Video Music Awards
1992 MTV Video Music Awards
Rape Me