MTV announced Thursday the cancellation of the Europe Music Awards (EMA) scheduled for November 5 in the Paris region due to “dramatic events taking place in Israel and Gaza.” In a statement, Paramount Global organizers said this decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and associates who planned to travel from around the world to participate in the event.
The statement emphasized the inappropriate nature of a global celebration amid the devastating events in Israel and Gaza. With thousands of lives already lost, organizers considered this a time of mourning, not celebration.
Prominent figures such as Frenchman David Guetta, South Korean Jung Kook of BTS, American Selena Gómez, and Puerto Rican Ozuna, among others, were scheduled to appear at the event.
The announcement concluded with a message of hope, stating that the MTV EMAs hope to return in November 2024. The cancellation reflects the profound and widespread impact that geopolitical events can have on the entertainment industry, leading organizations to reconsider their plans and show sensitivity towards the ongoing tragedies in various parts of the world.