MTV awards cancelled over Israel-Gaza conflict

The MTV Europe Music Awards have been cancelled over "devastating events in Israel and Gaza".

Organisers Paramount told BBC Newsbeat this was "out of an abundance of caution".

"Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward," a statement said.

The show was scheduled to take place in Paris on 5 November, with performances from BTS's Jung Kook and former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne.

Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj were nominated for best artist.

Paramount describes the MTV EMAs as "an annual celebration of global music", but said as "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.

"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 most serious escalation in the conflict in decades erupted on 7 October, when Hamas - a group designated a terrorist group by governments including the United States and the UK - launched an unprecedented attack on Israel killing 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

At least 3,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, Palestinian health officials say.

Paramount said its show will now be rescheduled for November 2024.

The EMAs have been running since 1994, when it was first hosted in Berlin, Germany.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.