Due to the Israel-Gaza conflict, the MTV Europe Music Awards were canceled

The MTV Europe Music Awards scheduled for Paris next month have been canceled, according to the event’s organizers, who cited “the volatility of world events” in light of the continued Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, and the Foo Fighters were among the nominees for the awards event, which was slated to take place on November 5 at Paris Nord Villepinte and be televised live.

“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 spokesperson in a statement.

“Each year, the MTV EMAs honor 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. In November 2024, we’re excited to host the MTV EMAs once more.

Following an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital late on Tuesday that, according to Palestinian officials, killed 471 people, the area remained tense. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since October 7, Israeli airstrikes on the beleaguered region have killed 3,478 Palestinians and injured 12,065 others.

Outrage over the hospital attack spread throughout the Middle East, sparking protests in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and other countries. According to television images, demonstrators hurling objects close to the US embassy in Beirut were attacked by Lebanese security personnel with tear gas and water cannons.

Every year, a different city hosts the MTV Europe Music Awards. The event from the previous year took place in western German Duesseldorf. With seven nominations, Swift had the most this year, including Best Artist, Best Song, and Best Video for her blockbuster song Anti-Hero. The K-pop group BTS member Jung Kook, who was also scheduled to perform at the event, was among the other nominees. The last time the ceremony was held in Paris was in 1995.