Joost Klein from the Netherlands excluded from Eurovision Song Contest after “incident”.

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Joost Klein, the Netherlands representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, is being investigated by the European Broadcasting Union for an “incident”. Details have not been released, but Klein is suspended from rehearsals. It is unknown whether he will be able to continue in the competition.

The EBU statement did not shed much light on the situation: “We are investigating an incident reported to us regarding the Dutch artist. He will not rehearse until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”

The second dress rehearsal for the grand finale is now taking place in the Malmö Arena in Sweden. The Netherlands is in fifth place. Nothing will seem wrong at the venue. SVT, the Swedish television network, will use Klein’s rehearsal from Semi-Final 2 unless the incident is resolved in the next few minutes. The EBU is in talks with the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros.

The broadcast begins with the traditional “flag parade,” in which the artists take the stage in the order in which they appear. Klein appeared at the ceremony at the first dress rehearsal on Friday afternoon (May 10). When it was time for him to perform, his props were being set up on the stage when they were suddenly removed. He was absent from the evening’s rehearsal flag-raising ceremony. The announcer announced, “Netherlands,” but no one appeared to display the country’s flag.

The dress rehearsal currently underway is important; The national juries are watching and will cast their votes this evening.

Although no details are known about the reported backstage incident, billboard caught wind of speculation that there was an incident behind the scenes between Klein and a producer – but can’t confirm anything. Tensions arose between Klein and Israeli singer Eden Golan at a press conference for the ten qualifying countries in Semi-Final 2 on Thursday evening (May 9). Golan was asked if her presence at the competition posed a security risk.

The moderator told Golan she didn’t have to answer, and Klein shouted, “Why not?” Golan then volunteered that the EBU was committed to a safe and inclusive environment for all. The assembled press corps burst into applause.

Israel follows the Netherlands in order, so it is likely that the two artists were in close proximity during the afternoon rehearsal.

This is a developing story.