The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards, scheduled for November 5 in Paris, France, has been canceled due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
In a statement shared with ABC Audio, a spokesperson for Paramount said, “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 continued, “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.”
On social media, the MTV EMA account further clarified, “Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards.”
Nominees included Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Måneskin, Arctic Monkeys and The Killers for Best Rock, and Fall Out Boy, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Paramore, Blur, Lana Del Rey and Yungblud for Best Alternative. Thirty Seconds to Mars was also set to perform.
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