According to a report from Us Weekly, Bruce Gilmer, the executive producer for the MTV Video Music Awards, says he and the rest of the team are unsure how to handle the news of Demi’s overdose at this year’s ceremony. Afterall, it’s an emotionally charged topic, and a misstep could result in significant backlash.

Bruce said he and the other producers would like for it to be “energetic, positive, and loud,” but that’s going to be difficult due to the sheer amount of turmoil and chaos in the media and culture right now.

As it was previously reported, Demi was found unconscious by her friends and was subsequently sent to the hospital where she received treatment – a situation on which Bruce and others are not quite certain if they should comment.

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:53pm PDT

Gilmer, taking some of the criticism levied from the public recently, admitted the awards ceremony are great as a platform for political activism, but many people tune in to get away from their problems, rather than be reminded of them.

The Academy Awards, for example, recently announced they will include a new “popular film” category, with some claiming it was a clear way of getting more viewers. The Oscars experienced a significant downturn in ratings this year.

“We get feedback that people want to come in and escape the world for a minute,” the producer remarked. As for the verdict on how it will be this year, Gilmer stated there would be a few political moments and moments with messages, but for the most part, it will be “straight fun.”

This comes after the death of Aretha Franklin, a tragic passing that Bruce says they will certainly commemorate. According to Bruce, her situation was “beyond sad,” and she left behind such a legacy.


As it was previously reported, Aretha died yesterday while in the hospital. Make sure to tune in to the MTV VMA’s next week to see how they handle Demi’s sensitive situation!