Eurovision: Joost Klein misses Dutch rehearsal after “incident”

The Dutch Eurovision contestant did not take part in rehearsals for the song contest final on Friday due to “an incident,” organizers said.

Joost Klein’s props were being set up on stage at the Malmö Arena when a production manager ordered them to be removed.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “We are currently investigating an incident reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not rehearse until further notice.”

“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”

No details about the nature of the incident were released.

During rehearsals, there was some confusion in the arena when Klein’s song “Europapa” was omitted without explanation and Israeli contestant Eden Golan, next in line, took his place.

The last-minute change suggests that the “incident” happened recently – perhaps even while the two actors were waiting backstage.

The BBC has asked the EBU for further clarification.

As rehearsals continued, organizers inserted Klein’s song into the voting montage, using footage from an earlier rehearsal. This suggests that they expect him to take part in the jury final on Friday evening.

The televised public final will take place on Saturday.

Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest caused controversy amid rising civilian deaths and a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and protests broke out in the Swedish host city.

At a Eurovision press conference on Thursday, Golan was asked if she had “ever thought that by her presence she was posing a risk and danger to other participants and the public?”

When the Israeli singer was told by the moderator that she didn’t have to answer the question, Klein chimed in: “Why not?”

Golan replied: “I think we are all here for one reason and one reason only and the EBU is taking all the security precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone and that is why I think it is for everyone is safe, and that’s what we would do. “I won’t be here (if not).”

When Klein was previously asked if his song could live up to the Eurovision slogan and unite people through music, he replied: “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.”