- Written by Mark Savage
- BBC News music correspondent
Dutch artist Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest following a backstage incident.
A female member of the production staff threatened Swedish police with threats, and the cast returned to Japan.
Contest organizers said in a statement that “it would not be appropriate for him to continue participating in the contest” while the legal process is pending.
Dutch broadcaster Avrtolos criticized Klein’s exclusion, calling it “disproportionate.”
In a statement on social media, the company said it was “shocked by this decision” and “will address this matter later.”
image source, Albotros / Instagram
Klein was one of the favorites to win this year’s contest with his song “Europapa.”
The song is a pro-European techno anthem, dedicated to his father, who died of cancer when he was 12 years old.
The singer, now 26, had promised her father that she would one day perform on the Eurovision stage.
News of his suspension was revealed on Friday afternoon during the first rehearsal for the grand final, which will be televised on Saturday.
Klein’s props were set up on the stage inside the Malmö Arena, but the production manager ordered them to be removed.
His song was then skipped without explanation and he was replaced by Israel’s Eden Golan, who was next in line to compete.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, later issued a statement saying it was “investigating an incident reported to have involved a Dutch artist.”
‘Zero tolerance’
Swedish police confirmed on Saturday that a man was reported for making “illegal threats” at the Malmö Arena after Thursday’s semi-final.
“Police have taken all necessary investigative measures and have questioned the suspect, complainant and witnesses,” the spokesperson said.
“The police investigation has been completed and the case will be forwarded to the public prosecutor’s office in the coming weeks.”
EBU subsequently confirmed Klein would not take part in Saturday’s grand final.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior at our events and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all contest staff,” they said.
“Based on this, Joost Klein’s actions towards team members are considered to be in violation of the contest rules.”
Swedish and Dutch news outlets reported that the incident involved members of the television production team.
Organizers stressed that, “Contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performers or members of the delegation.”
Early reports suggested there was a conflict between Klein and an Israeli contestant amidst heightened emotions over the Israel-Gaza war.
At Thursday’s Eurovision press conference, Golan was asked: “Have you ever considered that by being here you pose a risk or danger to other participants or to the public?”
When the Israeli singer was told by the host that he didn’t have to answer any questions, Klein retorted: “Why don’t you answer?”
Mr. Golan replied: “I think we are all here for one reason, and one reason only. EBU is taking every safety measure to make this a safe and united place for everyone. So everyone I think it’s safe for us to do that and we’re not here. [if not]. ”
Previously, when asked if his song could live up to the Eurovision slogan and unite people through music, Klein replied: “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.”
Saturday’s grand final will feature 25 acts instead of the planned 26.
Dutch viewers can still vote, and the Dutch jury results (determined during Friday’s second rehearsal) remain valid.
It may be difficult to add new elements to a production at the last minute, and it would be impossible for Klein to be replaced by another actor.
Organizers will also be reluctant to promote the 11th-placed contestant, who was eliminated in Thursday’s semi-finals, as that would violate rules regarding publishing the results of public voting.
