At the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards, Paul Reubens made his first public appearance after his arrest at an adult movie theater.

Taking the stage in costume as Pee-wee, he asked the audience, "Heard any good jokes lately?"

MTV announced on July 8 that the 1991 Video Music Awards would be held on September 5 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, with Arsenio Hall returning as host.

Hosted by Kurt Loder and Tabitha Soren, the broadcast featured red carpet interviews and marked the first use of the Opening Act branding for the pre-show, which would continue through 2003.

Nominations and winners, except for the Viewer's Choice awards, were selected by a panel of approximately 1,000 members of the music industry.