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Joost Klein, the Eurovision 2024 entrant for the Netherlands, was barred from performing in the second dress rehearsal for the grand final while an investigation into an unspecified “incident” continues.
It was announced on the eve of the final that Eurovision organisers were investigating an “incident” involving Joost, who is representing the Netherlands with his song “Europapa”.
Instead of performing during the second dress rehearsal, which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries, Joost’s performance from the second semi-final was used instead.
The news comes after Joost was heard pushing for Israel’s contestant Eden Golan to answer a question about her participation, amid her country’s conflict with Hamas, during a press conference after the second semi-final on Thursday.
Ahead of the second semi-final on 9 May, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in Malmö, Sweden, where this year’s contest is being held, to protest against Israel’s participation.
Further protests are expected to take place after Israel qualified as one of the 26 countries competing in this year’s final.
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Netherlands contestant Joost disqualified from competition after reports of ‘incident’
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing 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 crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”
Jacob Stolworthy11 May 2024 11:37
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Here are our favourites for the 2024 contest:
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 11:31
A man has been questioned by police over allegations of threats at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The news follows uncertainty over whether Netherlands’ act Joost Klein will perform in the final on Saturday, having missed two scheduled dress rehearsals on Friday while an investigation into an incident was carried out.
The 26-year-old rapper and singer qualified in the semi-final on Thursday with his up-tempo song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents.
Swedish news outlets have reported that he is being investigated after an incident involving a television production worker.
Jacob Stolworthy11 May 2024 11:13
Eurovision’s Bambie Thug says pro-Palestine protests ‘putting a cloud above everyone’
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 11:01
Meet Baby Lasagna, the maverick singer representing Croatia in the Eurovision 2024 final
Whatever the outcome for Croatia’s 2024 entry Baby Lasagna at Saturday’s final, the singer will go down in Eurovision history as the contestant with one of the best names.
His song for this year’s competition, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”, is a rock-techno-inflected track about economic migration, and its catchiness and epic staging has already seen fans crown him as one of this year’s favourite contestants.
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 10:31
‘This is Marmite if everyone hated Marmite’: Graham Norton’s most withering Eurovision remarks
Eurovision wouldn’t be the same without Norton’s cutting commentary
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 10:01
Greta Thunberg among thousands protesting against Israel competing in Eurovision
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 09:31
Katie Price was the Eurovision winner that got away
The glamour model was seven months pregnant and dressed in a pink rubber catsuit when she placed second in a public vote to represent the UK in 2005. She’s since said she was left ‘humiliated’ by the experience, but her performance is secretly sort of brilliant, writes Adam White
Katie Price was the Eurovision winner that got away
The glamour model was seven months pregnant and dressed in a pink rubber catsuit when she placed second in a public vote to represent the UK in 2005. She’s since said she was left ‘humiliated’ by the experience, but her performance is secretly sort of brilliant, writes Adam White
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 09:08
Israel’s Eurovision semi-final success overshadowed by pro-Palestine protests in Malmo
Eden Golan, who is representing Israel at this year’s event, was voted through to the grand final following her dramatic performance of “Hurricane”, a song that was reworked from original entry “October Rain” after it was widely interpreted as a reference to the Hamas attacks of 7 October.
During the demonstrations, smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off, as protestors carried signs displaying images of Gaza civilians who have been injured amid the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 09:01
Eurovision 2024 favourites: Our Top 10, from Croatia’s Baby Lasagna to Ireland’s Bambie Thug
From zany novelty songs to club bangers and heartfelt ballads, the competition at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is fierce. We take a look at our favourites
Roisin O’Connor11 May 2024 08:45
