Netherlands’ Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest face fresh controversy as the Dutch contestant was disqualified just before the final because of a backstage incident involving a crew member

Fresh turmoil hit the Eurovision Song Contest as organizers disqualified the Dutch contestant just hours before the grand final because of a backstage incident involving a female crew member.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for the annual event held this year in Malmo, Sweden, stated that the singer Joost Klein was under police investigation for the incident, leading to his disqualification from the competition.

Swedish police initiated an investigation after a female crew member complained about Klein’s performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. The EBU emphasized that Klein should not remain in the contest until the legal process concludes.

The Dutch singer missed his slot in the show’s penultimate dress rehearsal in Malmo, Sweden, on Friday, where he had been due to perform his track Europapa in fifth place, just before Israel’s Eden Golan, 20, with her song Hurricane.

This incident comes amid prior controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been staging daily protests in Malmo leading up to the competition. The EBU clarified that Klein’s disqualification was isolated and involved no other performer or delegation from another country.

The Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO) says it regrets the disqualification of Joost Klein.

“The NPO considers this a very drastic decision. This disappoints the millions of Eurovision fans in the Netherlands and other European countries. We will extensively evaluate the course of events after the Eurovision Song Contest with AVROTROS, the EBU, and all other parties involved.”

Source: Newsroom

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