Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest
Dutch singer Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest, and will not take part in the event’s Grand Final on Saturday night. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS reacted in shock, saying the sanction was "disproportionate.” The “Europapa” singer has been under investigation since Friday over allegations that he threatened a Eurovision worker, police in Malmö, Sweden confirmed.
“The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest,” Eurovision announced at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday. “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.”
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, said Friday that Klein had been involved in an unspecified “incident.” The EBU did not allow Klein to take part in two dress rehearsals on Friday while the case was investigated.
The incident is still being handled by authorities in Sweden. Police completed their investigation after interviews with Klein, the victim, and witnesses. They then passed it on to the prosecution service to decide how to proceed.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest,” Eurovision said Saturday. “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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
During the press conference following Thursday’s semi-final, Klein pressured Israeli contestant Eden Golan to answer questions about whether she caused political distraction and security concerns by attending the event. Her presence was considered controversial by some critics, and a vocal protest movement, because of the war in the Gaza Strip.
The following day, Klein was pursued backstage by an Israeli television personality. Earlier in the week, Golsn’s song writer, Keren Peres, also shot video of Klein when he asked her not to do so.
“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,” Eurovision said.
EBU member AVROTROS has the Eurovision broadcast and organization rights for the Netherlands. The media outlet said it was stunned by the decision to kick Klein out of the Eurovision Song Contest.
"We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU. AVROTROS finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision. We deeply regret this and will come back to this later."
