The MTV Europe Music Awards witnessed a major setback on Thursday and its performance-packed ceremony was cancelled, citing the Israel-Hamas war. The event had been scheduled for Paris on November 5, with Ozuna, Renée Rapp and Thirty Second to Mars among the performers.
A company’s spokesperson said in a statement, “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.”
The statement also maintained that the decision was made “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.”
Nevertheless, MTV also maintained that MTV said the EMAs would return in November 2024.
As per the reports, Taylor Swift won big last year’s EMAs in Dusseldorf, Germany, collecting four trophies including for best artist, best video and best Long-form video. This year again, Swift received the top nomination with seven, with Olivia Rodrigo and SZA tied for the second with six apiece.
The latest development comes shortly after Israel responded to the deadliest attack in its 75-year history by vowing to annihilate Hamas. The nation put the entire Gaza Strip’s 2.3 million people under total siege and bombarded the enclave in strikes that have killed thousands and made more than a million homeless.
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