Joost Klein, Dutch Eurovision entrant
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Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein was disqualified ahead of the contest’s grand final on Saturday evening.
The artist was sent home after an allegation of bullying was made to Swedish police by a female member of the production team.
In a statement, event organizers said: “While the legal process continues, it would not be appropriate for him to continue participating in the Competition. We would like to clarify that, contrary to some media reports and speculation on social media, this incident does not involve any other artist or member of the delegation.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all competition staff. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is considered a violation of the competition rules.
Dutch broadcaster Avrtotros called the disqualification “disproportionate” in a statement on social media, adding that it was “shocked” by the decision and would “come back to it later”.
There has been speculation on social media regarding Joost’s behavior towards Israeli contestant Eden Golan, 20, who was criticized for her participation and booed during rehearsals this week.
The Golan has become a lightning rod for broader criticism of ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which health officials in the territory say have killed more than 34,000 people – mostly women and children – in seven month. It began in October when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an incursion into an Israeli music festival and killed more than 1,200 people.
The inclusion of Israel, Eurovision winner in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018, in this year’s contest has sparked a furious debate across Europe, especially as Russia was excluded from the event in 2022 after invading Ukraine.
The contest now faces a mass boycott as pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside the Eurovision venue in Malmö, Sweden, host of this year’s contest.
The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now take place with 25 participating songs.
In Sweden, the Eurovision Grand Final will begin at 9 p.m. local time, or 12 p.m. PT.
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