Paramount Global has announced the cancellation of the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), saying it does not seem like an appropriate time for such a celebration – but also indicating fear of a radical Islamic terror attack played a role in the decision.
“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 company said in a statement.
The awards ceremony, held every year since 1994, was due to take place in Paris, France – currently on high alert for acts of terrorism after violent protests over the conflict in Gaza, and a possible terror attack in Arras which saw a Chechen refugee stab a schoolteacher to death in broad daylight why crying “Allah hu Akbar!”
MTV said confirmed the awards were canceled “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.”