The MTV Europe Music Awards, which were set to be held in Paris on Nov. 5, are no longer going forward this year “out of an abundance of caution.”
A statement from a Paramount spokesperson 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 statement continues, “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.”
In addition to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, France has been on high alert following the stabbing of a high school teacher and several bomb threats across the country’s airports. At Mipcom, the annual international TV and film market in Cannes, security protocols were increased drastically.
The awards show had just announced its full lineup on Tuesday, which included performances from BTS’ Jung Kook, Reneé Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, Coi Leray, David Guetta, Rema, the Kid Laroi, PinkPantheress and more. The EMAs were set to broadcast on MTV in more than 150 countries, as well as stream on Pluto TV and Paramount+.
