The event, which was due to take place next month, has been canceled as France remains at its highest security level and the war between Israel and Hamas continues.
ADVERTISINGThe MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) have canceled a ceremony scheduled for next month, citing the war between Israel and Hamas.
The event was scheduled for November 5 in Paris and featured Thirty Seconds To Mars, BTS’s Jungkook and Renee Rapp.
“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of world music. As we watch devastating events continue to unfold in Israel and the Gaza Strip, this does not seem like a moment for global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, this is a moment of mourning,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
The most serious escalation of the conflict in decades occurred on October 7, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages. At least 3,700 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began retaliatory air strikes, according to Palestinian health officials.
The statement also said the decision was made “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.”
MTV said the EMAs will return in November 2024.
SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift were nominated for best artist.
The ceremony is held annually in different countries, and last year it took place in Dusseldorf, Germany, and was hosted by Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi and singer Rita Ora.
Taylor Swift was the big winner at last year’s EMAs, taking home four prizes, including best artist, best video and best long-form video.
Swift was again the top nominee this year with seven, followed by Olivia Rodrigo and SZA, who tied for second with six nominees.
France is at its highest level of security after a schoolteacher was killed and three others were wounded in a stabbing in the northeastern city of Arras on October 13.
Eight French airports received security alerts on Wednesday (October 18) and several were evacuated for checks, the French Civil Aviation Authority said.
Additional sources • AP