MTV EMAs SCRAPPED DUE TO MIDDLE EAST TURMOIL

With the eyes of the world firmly focused on the raging conflict in and around Israel, MTV has decided to scrap its Europe Music Awards, which were to take place on 11/5 in Paris with a lineup featuring BTS’ Jung Kook, Sabrina Carpenter, PinkPantheress, David Guetta, Reneé Rapp and The Kid LAROI.

“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,” reads a statement from MTV parent company Paramount.

“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music,” it continued. “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 found itself embroiled in the Middle East conflict as well, following the stabbing of a high school teacher last week in Arras, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France.

MTV had planned to air the EMAs in more than 150 countries in tandem with streams on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.