Universal cancels Grammy Awards after party amid Los Angeles fires
Universal Music Group has officially cancelled all "Grammy-related events" for next month's ceremony.
Universal Music Group has cancelled its Grammy Awards after party due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
The company has announced its decision to scrap plans for "all of its Grammy-related events", with resources instead being put towards "those affected" by the fires across Southern California.
In a statement, Universal said: "Today we have cancelled all of our Grammy-related events, including the Artist Showcase and After-Grammy Party and will redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.
"Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically.
"L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode."
Meanwhile, the main Grammy Awards cereony will still be going ahead at LA's Crypto.com Arena on February 2 despite fears the event would be axed following the fires, which have claimed at least 24 lives.
Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt have now released a statement saying it will be held as planned.
Shared by CNN Reporter Elizabeth Wagmeister on X, it opened: “Dear Recording Academy Members, Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
“This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.
“In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals.”
The ceremony will "proceed as planned" and organisers have promised "close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources".
The statement added that the show "will carry a renewed sense of purpose" focused on "raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours".
