Just two weeks later All Alexander rejecting calls to withdraw and boycott the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's inclusion, the European Broadcasting Union issued a statement denouncing the “harassment” of Eurovision artists for the same reason.
The statement, which was delivered by Jean Philip De Tender, deputy director general of the EBU, began with an acknowledgment of “the depth of emotion and strong opinions that this year's Eurovision Song Contest – against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East – has cause”.
De Tender then turns his attention to the “targeted social media campaigns” launched against some Eurovision artists, saying: “The decision to include any broadcaster, including Israeli broadcaster Kan, in the Eurovision Song Contest is sole responsibility of the EBU governing bodies. and not of the individual artists. These artists come to Eurovision to share their music, their culture and the universal message of unity through the language of music.”
Earlier this year (January 30), several Swedish artists signed an open letter calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision, writing: “Allowing Israel to participate undermines not only the spirit of the contest but also the entire mission of public service. It also sends the message that governments can commit war crimes with impunity.”
In the same month (January 11), more than 14,000 Finnish artists joined Icelandic artists in signing a petition calling for Israel to be excluded from the competition. “It is not in line with our values to give a country that commits war crimes and continues a military occupation a public stage to burnish its image in the name of music,” read the petition, which threatened the absence of a Finnish delegation. at this year's Eurovision, the EBU should not weigh in on the issue.
Directly addressing the controversy, the EBU's statement read: “While we strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we strongly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech or harassment directed at our artists or other individuals . associated with the competition. This is unacceptable and completely unfair, as the artists have no role in this decision.”
The EBU has explanations for the rationale for Kan's inclusion, Israel's eligibility, and its response to potential protests available on their website.
“The EBU is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, staff and fans of the Eurovision Song Contest,” the statement continued. “We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote the values of respect, inclusion and understanding, both online and offline. We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and support the artists who work tirelessly – in what is a musical and entertainment show – to share their music with the world.”
The 2024 edition of Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden between May 7 and 11. Last year's winner was Sweden's Loreen, who sang in the winner's circle with “Tattoo”, which reached No.2 in the UK Official Singles Chart.
click here to read the full EBU statement.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/eurovision-condemns-harassment-contestants-israel-1235652564/
