The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards have reportedly been cancelled. The event was scheduled to happen on November 5 in Paris, France at the Paris Nord Villepinte, however, Paramount Global has announced it will cancel the EMAs over concerns regarding the Israel-Gaza crisis.
A spokesperson for Paramount issued a statement that reads, “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 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.”
France has undergone numerous incidents recently, leaving the country under high alert. Yesterday (October 18) eight French airports were forced to evacuate following "an anonymous threat received by several French hubs." A school in Arras was also evacuated on Monday (October 16) after a bomb threat, just days after one of its teachers was stabbed to death and others injured in an alleged terrorist attack.
Artists that were scheduled to perform at this year's EMAs included Anne-Marie, Coi Leray, David Guetta, Jung Kook, Manuel Turizo, Ozuna, Rema, Reneé Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Taylor Swift had the most nominations with seven, followed closely by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA with six.