The upcoming MTV EMAs have been canceled over the unfolding conflict in the Gaza region.

The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards will no longer be held due to the ongoing conflict between the State of Israel and Palestine.

The announcement was made by the EMAs on October 19, 2023, in a press release that stated that the decision to cancel the 2023 edition was taken to protect thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who will be traveling from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024.”

The 2023 EMAs which was scheduled for Paris on November 5, 2023 was set to be a historic one as it would be the first time the maiden Afrobeats category would be awarded. Nigerian superstars Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema were nominated for the award alongside Malian-born French singer Aya Nakamura.

The EMAs will return in 2024 at the Paris Nord Villepinte in France.