US transgender troops invited to MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles

Image source, AFP/Getty Images

MTV has invited transgender troops to the VMAs this weekend.

It's after Donald Trump caused outrage in July when he tweeted that they could no longer serve in the US military.

The Pentagon says it's reviewing invitations after the network's president, Chris McCarthy, said he'd be honoured if the transgender "heroes" attended the ceremony in LA on Sunday.

"MTV has invited transgender members of the US Armed Forces to the 2017 Video Music Awards," said Mr McCarthy.

"We'd be honoured if they could attend.

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Katy Perry is performing at this year's MTV VMAs with Fifth Harmony, Pink, Demi Lovato and Shawn Mendes

"Any patriot who is putting their own life at risk to fight for our freedom and stand for equality is a hero at MTV, and to young people everywhere."

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Haverstick, a Pentagon spokesman, said: "MTV has invited service members in their personal capacity to this year's VMAs.

"At the request of the services the Department of Defence is reviewing the parameters of the individual invitations."

Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Gucci Mane, Rod Stewart and Miley Cyrus are among the acts who'll be performing at the ceremony.

Image source, PA/Reuters

Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar and Ariana Grande are among those up for the best artist award, which replaces the best female and best male video groups.

Earlier this year, Emma Watson won the first gender-neutral prize at the MTV TV & Movie Awards.

The former Harry Potter star picked up the best big screen actor gong for her role as Belle in Beauty & the Beast.

The VMAs will be broadcast in the UK on the MTV channel at 8pm on Monday.

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