Latest Eurovision 2024 updates: Chaos as Dutch singer axed and Irish star demands ‘urgent attention’ over separate ‘serious’ incident | Ents & Arts News

Eurovision has kicked out Dutch contestant Joost Klein following controversy over an “incident” involving him.

Klein allegedly made verbal threats to a Eurovision Song Contest production worker at the venue in Malmö, Sweden, on Thursday evening.

Organizers dismissed widespread rumors that the incident was related to the Israeli delegation, saying Klein’s “behavior” toward the employee was a “violation of the competition rules.”

“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production team following an incident following his performance in the semi-finals on Thursday evening,” the organizers said in a statement.

“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue to compete.”

It is a historic Eurovision Song Contest decision as it is the first time an artist has been disqualified after reaching the grand final.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said Klein’s disqualification was “disproportionate”, while the Dutch delegation said it was “shocked” by the decision.

Swedish police said in a statement: “A man is suspected of making unlawful threats at the Malmö Arena on Thursday evening.”

“The man was questioned by police but was not arrested. The complainant is an employee of Eurovision. The police have interviewed the suspect, the complainant and witnesses.”

Klein, 26, did not appear at two dress rehearsals on Friday because the EBU said it was investigating an “incident.”