MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 cancelled due to war
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), scheduled to take place in Paris in November, have been canceled due to the “volatility of world events.” The decision to call off the awards show comes in the wake of the escalating violence between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
The awards show, which was expected to feature nominees such as Taylor Swift, who had received six nominations, will not proceed as planned. Swift, who had previously secured four trophies at the 2022 ceremony in Dusseldorf, Germany, was anticipated to be a major presence at this year’s event with nominations in categories like Best Artist, Best Song, and Best Video.
Production company Paramount released a statement explaining the decision, stating, “Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.”
The statement continued, “The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music. As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024.”
The decision to cancel the awards show comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, with violence breaking out on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 people and more than 200 hostages. Palestinian officials have reported over 3,700 deaths in Gaza due to Israeli air strikes.
France has also been on high alert following a fatal attack in Arras, where a school teacher was stabbed to death on October 13. Officials have suggested a possible link between the attack and the Israel/Hamas conflict. In response to the heightened security concerns, there have been increased security checks at airports, and the Palace of Versailles has been closed multiple times due to security scares.
The cancellation of the 2023 MTV EMAs underscores the impact of global events on entertainment and public gatherings, with organizers prioritizing safety and sensitivity to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The awards show is now set to return in November 2024.