Hours before In the Eurovision Song Contest final, the singer representing the Netherlands was kicked out of the competition due to a backstage incident with a crew member.
Dutchman Joost Klein had qualified for Saturday's finals after his performance of the song “Europapa” in Thursday's semi-finals, but was absent from Friday's rehearsal, prompting speculation that he had been kicked out of the competition.
On Saturday, Eurovision producers European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that Klein had been banned from the contest after a female member of the production crew reported to Swedish police that Klein had allegedly made “illegal threats” after the semi-final at the Malmö Arena .
“Swedish police investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew following an incident which [Klein’s] appearance in Thursday night's semi-final,” Eurovision organizers said in a statement.
“While the legal process is taking its course, it would not be appropriate to continue the tender. We maintain a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment.”
Swedish police spokesman he told the BBC, “The police have taken all necessary investigative steps and questioned the suspect, the complainant and the witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police… and the case will now go to the public prosecutor in a few weeks.”
Klein's disqualification marks the first time in Eurovision history that a contestant has been eliminated from the song contest during the week-long competition.
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros condemned Klein's dismissal on social media, calling it a “disproportionate” response to the incident. “We have noted the ban from the EBU,” Avrotros wrote. “Abrotros finds the exclusion disproportionate and is shocked by the decision. We deeply regret this and will get back to you later.”
Before Eurovision producers revealed the circumstances of Klein's disqualification, it was speculated that his controversial press conference interaction with Eden Golan, the singer representing Israel at the contest, was to blame. Klein has been one of the most vocal competitors to question Israel's divisive presence at Eurovision amid the conflict in Gaza.
“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 member of the delegation,” the EBU statement added.
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