Dutch Eurovision Song Contest contestant disqualified after backstage incident

Virgin Radio

May 11, 2024, 1:34 p.m

Joost Klein was excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest after allegations of intimidation.

The accession of the Netherlands to the Eurovision Song ContestJoost Klein, was disqualified after a female member of the production team made allegations of intimidation against him, leading to his immediate exclusion from the competition.

The disqualification announced by competition organizers marks the first time in Eurovision’s 68-year history that a contestant has been excluded from the event after the event began.

In 1974, France withdrew its participation after President Georges Pompidou died the week of the competition, but before singer Dani appeared on stage.

Klein, who was considered one of the favorites to win the competition with his song “Europapa,” was sent home due to the allegations as part of ongoing court proceedings.

The incident occurred during the first dress rehearsal for Saturday’s televised grand final, as Klein’s props were being set up on the Malmo Arena stage.

His song was then canceled without explanation and Israeli newcomer Eden Golan replaced him in the starting line-up.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the event, released a statement confirming the investigation into the reported incident involving Klein and emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe environment for all employees.

Their statement read as follows: “Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production team following an incident following his (Klein’s) performance in the semi-finals on Thursday evening.”

“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue to compete. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to maintaining a safe environment.”

Swedish police confirmed that a man had been reported for making “unlawful threats” in the arena and the case will now be referred to the public prosecutor’s office.

The EBU, in light of the investigation’s findings, claimed that Klein’s behavior towards a team member breached the competition rules, which led to his disqualification from the grand final.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros criticized the decision, deeming it a “disproportionate” punishment.

“We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union),” the radio and television station said in a post on X.

“Avrotros finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision. We deeply regret this and will return to this later.”

Despite speculation suggesting tensions between Klein and Israeli candidate Golan over the Israel-Gaza conflict, organizers clarified that the incident solely involved a member of the television production team and did not involve any other cast or delegation members.

Initial reports indicate tensions between Klein and the Israeli candidate amid heightened emotions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

During a Eurovision press conference, Golan was asked about the potential risks associated with her participation and initially declined when told by a presenter that she did not have to answer, to which Klein interjected: “Why not?”

Golan responded, emphasizing the event’s commitment to security and unity:

“I think we are all here for one reason and one reason only and the EBU is taking every safety precaution to make this a safe and united place for everyone and that is why I think it is safe for everyone , and that wouldn’t be the case 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.”

Previously, Klein was asked whether his song could fulfill the Eurovision slogan of uniting people through music, to which he deflected the question, saying: “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.”

The grand finale on Saturday continued with 25 acts instead of the planned 26 because production constraints and restrictions on disclosing voting results made it impossible to replace Klein at the last minute.

Before the SemifinalsThere were protests in Malmö against Israel’s participation in the event, which led to calls for a boycott from various quarters.

This also included the United Kingdom Olly Alexanderwhich was personal about the situation in the conflictand myself shed tears during his appearance in a recent documentary about the event.

The EBU reiterated its stance that the Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and stressed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the competition as it is “not a competition between governments”.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will take place on Saturday 11 May 2024 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.