There's yet more controversy at this year's Eurovision song contest as on the day of the final the Netherlands' Joost Klein has been disqualified due to an altercation after Thursday's semifinal.
Reports emerged on Friday of an altercation between Joost Klein and members of the Israeli delegation after Thursday's semifinals. Earlier today, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) released a statement on the morning of the Eurovision final stating that after an incident on Thursday night, a female production crew member made a complaint to the police and Joost Klein will not be competing in the final.
The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing 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 crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest.
We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules.
The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.
Reports emerged on social media on Friday of an altercation between Joost Klein and members of the Israeli delegation after Thursday's semifinals.
Klein has been one of a number of vocal members of this year's participants who have questioned Israel's participation in this year's contest. He was seen at the press conference after the semifinal covering his face when the Israeli delegation answered questions and even pushed Israel to answer a question a journalist asked about the dangers Israel's participation has brought on the other competitors.
The Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros released a statement explaining the incident. When Joost came off stage, he had asked to not be filmed and his request wasn't granted. He then moved towards the camerawoman but did not touch her. Avrotros then said while theyt don't condone Joost's behaviour they felt that the punishment was too harsh.
Statement AVROTROS #europapa #eurovision #eurovision2024 pic.twitter.com/XunuOe4jU6
— Songfestival (@songfestival) May 11, 2024
A number of artists have spoken out against the decision to disqualify Joost Klein with Albania's BESA tweeting out their support for Klein.
Please Bring Joost back!
— BESA (@BesaOfficial) May 11, 2024
Today, it was then reported that Ireland's Bambie Thug was not present at a flag parade rehearsal for the final.
Bambie Thug and Marina Satti were not at the flag parade in the family rehearsal just now
— Gabe (@esc_gabe) May 11, 2024
Bambie Thug has since released a statement on their Instagram story explaining their absence from the rehearsal.
Dear Coven,
There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU - the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.
This means I have missed my dress rehearsal - I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on stage tonight. #CrownTheWitch
Bambie Thug confirmed after Tueday's performance that the EBU had barren them from having the Ogham words 'ceasefire' and 'freedom' painted on their face during their performance. They confirmed they'd changed to 'crown the witch' after orders from the EBU.
READ ALSO: Ireland's Bambie Thug Says Eurovision Barred Their Pro-Palestine Ogham Message
