MALMO, Sweden – A Dutch public broadcaster reacted angrily after the Dutch Eurovision Song Contest contestant was dramatically ejected from the competition hours before Saturday’s final due to a behind-the-scenes incident that is being investigated by police.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, said Swedish police were investigating “a complaint made by a female production team” about Joost Klein and that it would not be appropriate for him to participate while the legal process is ongoing.
Klein was unable to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday in the Swedish city of Malmö, and organizers said they were investigating an “incident”. Although there were rumors that the incident was linked to the Israeli delegation, organizers said the incident “did not involve any other artists or members of the delegation.”
It was not clear whether Klein was still in Malmo on Saturday.
This last-minute disqualification is unprecedented in Eurovision’s 68-year history, although countries have boycotted the event and, in some cases, been expelled – including Russia, expelled following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTOS, one of dozens of public broadcasters collectively financing and broadcasting the contest, said it “considers the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision.”
“We deeply regret this and will return to this later,” he said in a statement.
The 26-year-old Dutch singer and rapper was a favorite with bookies and fans alike with his song “Europapa,” a joyful Euro-techno ode to the continent that is also a tribute to Klein’s late parents. when he was a child.
The competition that pits nations against each other for pop music glory has already been marked by division over the inclusion of Israel. It has drawn large protests from Palestinians and their supporters, who say Israel should be excluded because of its conduct of the war against Hamas.
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