Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein was disqualified after an incident backstage

Dutch participant Joost Klein was disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest.

On Friday evening (May 10), it was reported that Klein was being investigated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) over an alleged incident in which he missed the show’s dress rehearsal.

While he participated in the parade at the beginning of the rehearsal, Klein did not appear on stage 30 minutes later to perform his track “Europape.”

Joost Klein was disqualified. (JESSICA GOW/TT/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)

It has now been confirmed that the 26-year-old will not be performing at the Eurovision Song Contest final tonight (May 11), taking place in Malmo, Sweden.

A statement from the EBU said: “Dutch artist Joost Klein will not take part in the grand final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

“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.

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

“We would like to clarify that contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, no other artist or delegation member was involved in this incident.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe working environment for all competition staff.

“Against this background, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is considered a violation of the competition rules.

“The grand finale of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now continue with 25 participating songs.”

Klein will not appear in the finale. (Silas Tahapary/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

A spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said in a statement to the PA news agency: “A man is suspected of making unlawful threats. The crime is said to have been committed on Thursday evening in the Malmö Arena.

“The man is being questioned by police but not arrested. The plaintiff is an employee of Eurovision.

“The police have taken all necessary investigative measures and interviewed the suspect, the complainant and the witnesses. The investigation was completed by the police.

“The case follows the normal legal procedure. The police have expedited the prosecution and the case will now be referred to the public prosecutor’s office within a few weeks.”

There are currently 25 countries competing for the top spot in the Eurovision final tonight, which will be broadcast on BBC One from 8pm tonight.

LADbible has contacted Dutch broadcaster Avrotros for comment.

Featured image source: JESSICA GOW/TT/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images/Marcel Koch/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Topics: Eurovision, news, music