The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Paris have been cancelled by Paramount Global, who cites the “volatility of world events” as the reason.
The Paris Nord Villepinte was scheduled to host the musical event on November 5. As the Middle East crisis worsens, it has now been apparent that it will not proceed.
Following the murder of a school teacher in the town of Arras on October 7 by a man wielding a knife in response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel, France has also been on high alert. Yesterday, a number of airports were momentarily closed due to security threats, including Nice, which at the time was being used by many delegates departing from Mipcom.
“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,” said a Paramount spokesperson.
“Each year, the MTV EMAs honour the best in world music. This does not feel like a time for a worldwide celebration as we watch the tragic events in Israel and Gaza continue to take place. It is a time of sadness with thousands of lives already lost.
“We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024.”
Since 1994, the EMAs have been held annually.
Since the Hamas-led militia attacked Israel and Israel responded by attacking Gaza City, several events have been postponed. Today, the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt was postponed indefinitely after having its initial opening date moved to the end of October. According to reports, more events may be cancelled as global rage grows in response to the ongoing bloodshed.