MTV Europe Music Awards canceled due to ‘volatility of world events’ amid Hamas-Israel conflict

This year’s MTV Europe Music Awards have been canceled amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas and a series of security incidents in and around the awards’ host city of Paris.

Paramount pulled the plug on the event, — set to take place Nov. 5 at Paris Nord Villepinte — citing “the volatility of world events” on Thursday. France has been on high alert following the fatal stabbing of a high school teacher by a suspected extremist, and several bomb threats across the country’s airports.

The ceremony is scheduled to resume in 2024.

“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,” organizers shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“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,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

The announcement follows MTV unveiling the lineup for the EMAs on Tuesday, which included BTS member Jungkook, Reneé Rapp, Coi Leray, David Guetta and other artists.

Taylor Swift led this year’s nominees with seven nominations, followed by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA with six nominations each.

———