Dutchman Joost Klein excluded from Eurovision after “incident”

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UPDATE: Dutch singer-rapper Joost Klein has been kicked out of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 just hours before the grand final of the annual contest in Malmö, Sweden. On Saturday May 11, less than 24 hours after the European Broadcast Union announced that Klein had been suspended from rehearsals, the EBU released a statement revealing that Klein, competing for the Netherlands, had been expelled of Eurovision following “a complaint lodged by a female member of the production team” which the Swedish police are investigating.

“While the legal process continues, it would not be appropriate for him to continue to participate in the Competition,” reads the EBU statement, which also states that Klein’s disqualification — and the charges against him — “did not involve any other artist or entertainer.” member of the delegation.

Following Klein’s disqualification, points awarded to the Netherlands during dress rehearsals will be revoked and the Netherlands will not be able to receive any votes from the public. The running order will take place as before, without the Netherlands.

Read the full EBU statement below:

Dutch artist Joost Klein will not take part in the grand final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production team after an incident following her performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. While legal proceedings continue, 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 pageant staff. As a result, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a member of the team is considered contrary to the Competition rules.

The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now take place with 25 participating songs.
ESC communications team.

Original article from May 10: Joost Klein, the Netherlands’ representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, is under investigation by the European Broadcasting Union over an ‘incident’. No details have yet been made public, but Klein is suspended from rehearsals. We do not know if he will be able to continue in the competition.

The EBU press release did not really shed any light on the situation: “We are investigating an incident reported to us concerning the Dutch artist. He will not rehearse until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.

The second dress rehearsal for the grand final is currently taking place at the Malmö Arena in Sweden. The Netherlands is in fifth position. Nothing will seem abnormal in the room. SVT, the Swedish television channel, will use Klein’s repeat from semi-final 2, unless the incident is resolved in the next few minutes. The EBU is in talks with the Dutch channel Avrotros.

The broadcast begins with the traditional “parade of flags,” with the artists taking the stage in order of performance. Klein appeared at the ceremony during the first dress rehearsal on Friday, May 10 afternoon. When it was time for him to perform, his stage props were being set up on stage when they were suddenly removed. He was absent from the evening flag rehearsal ceremony. The voiceover announcer proclaimed “Netherlands,” but no one appeared to point to the nation’s flag.

The current dress rehearsal is important; the national juries are watching and will vote this evening.

Although details of the incident are not known, Billboard I’ve heard speculation that there was a behind-the-scenes incident between Klein and someone working on the show – but I can’t confirm anything. There was tension between Klein and Israeli singer Eden Golan, during a press conference Thursday evening (May 9) for the 10 countries qualifying for Semi-Final 2. Golan was asked if her presence at the competition presented a security risk.

The moderator told Golan she didn’t need to respond, and Klein shouted, “Why not?” Golan then voluntarily declared that the EBU was committed to a safe and inclusive environment for all. The assembled press applauded.

Israel follows the Netherlands in the running order, so it is likely that the two artists were very close during the afternoon rehearsal.

This is a developing story.