MTV VMAs producers are trying to figure out how to address Demi Lovato's overdose

Us Weekly

Producers are going "back and forth" about how to handle Lovato's overdose -- if they handle it at all. "It’s so important,” executive producer Bruce Gilmer tells Us Weekly. “We just talked about this. We toggle back and forth with this big platform. Sometimes, the thought is, ‘Let’s use this for a greater good.’ But sometimes, we get feedback that people want to come in and escape the world for a minute." The VMAs intend Monday's awards show to be escapist fare. "We’re overrun with politics and messages, so what you’re going to see this year are a couple of poignant moments and the lion’s share is going to be straight fun," says Gilmer. One of the poignant moments will include a tribute to Aretha Franklin.