MTV has cancelled its Europe Music Awards ceremony, originally scheduled to take place in Paris on November 5, News About Nigeria gathered.
This decision was made in response to the ongoing “devastating events” in Israel and Gaza.
The organisers expressed that, given the loss of thousands of lives; it is a time for mourning rather than a global celebration.
“As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration,” the organisers said in a statement. “With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning.”
Scheduled performers at the event included David Guetta, Jung Kook (of BTS), and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Paramount Global, the organisers, cited an ‘abundance of caution’ for the cancellation, taking into consideration the safety and well-being of the thousands of employees, crew members, artistes, fans, and partners who would have been involved in the event.
This decision comes amidst heightened tensions in France due to the recent Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
Additionally, the killing of a teacher in France, claimed by an individual purporting to act on behalf of the Islamic State extremist group, has put the country on high alert.