MTV EMA awards cancelled due to high security concerns

Photo Credit: MTV EMA

The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) were slated to take place in November in Paris, but have been cancelled. Organizers cite the current volatility of world events amid the Israel/Gaza conflict.

The event was supposed to be held in Paris on November 5, featuring performers like Jung Kook, David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Manuel Turizo, Ozuna, Reneé Rapp, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. Instead, organizers say they look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November 2024. Here’s the full statement:

“Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abudance 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 begins.

“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.”

“Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November 2024.”

Reuters reports that at least eight French airports faced security concerns, with some evacuated for checks. Airports affected included Toulouse, Biarritz, Pau, Nice, Lyon, Lille, Rennes, and Nannes, according to French aviation authorities. France is now on the highest state of alert after the murder of a schoolteacher on October 13.

Taylor Swift led the nominations this year including for Best Artist, Best Song, and Best Video for ‘Anti-Hero.’ The nominees this year included 26 first-timers including Jung Kook as a solo artist, Central Cee, FLO, Ice Spice, PinkPanthress, Asake, Coi Leray, Metro Boomin’, The Weeknd, NewJeans, Peso Pluma, and Reneé Rapp. The 2023 award presentation was the first year for the new Afrobeats category with Asake, Aya Nakamura, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema featuring this year.