Accuser won’t appeal decision to close Joost Klein assault case

The camerawoman involved in the incident that got Joost Klein disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest will not appeal against the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s decision not to prosecute the Dutch singer. She believes that violence is unacceptable, but wants to put the matter behind her and move on with her life, her lawyer Kristoffer Ståhl told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

After his semi-final performance, Klein made a threatening gesture toward the camerawoman, causing her to flinch and damage her camera. The incident cost Klein his place in the Eurovision final and a criminal investigation against the Dutch performer. The police interrogations showed that this was the second incident between Klein and the camerawoman.

Last month, the Swedish prosecutor dropped the case against Klein, saying there was not enough evidence to show that Klein made his “threatening movement” with the intention of causing the camerawoman “serious fear.” The woman will not appeal against that decision.

“My client holds no grudge against Mr. Klein. She believes that violence should not be accepted anywhere, regardless of adrenaline or upset feelings,” Ståhl told Aftonbladet. But she wants to put this issue behind her.

“During this process, she had to endure hate and also threats online. Therefore, my client now wants to focus on her mental well-being and move on with her life and professional career as a camerawoman. My client will not appeal the decision to drop the case and will not comment further on this matter.”