Dutch artist Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest following a backstage incident. A female member of the production crew reported an allegation of intimidation to Swedish police.
The Netherlands Songfestival stated that Klein had “repeatedly indicated” his desire not to be filmed and clarified that he “did not touch the camera woman.”
Meanwhile, Ireland’s entrant Bambie Thug missed their dress rehearsal but expressed hope to perform during the show.
On Instagram, Bambie Thug addressed a “situation” prior to the flag parade rehearsal, which they believed required urgent attention from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
There is no indication that Klein’s exclusion and Thug’s incident are connected.In a separate development, Norwegian media reported that their jury spokesperson, Allesandra Mele, withdrew from participation, citing the “inflamed situation” in Malmo.
Mele represented Norway last year, securing fourth place with the song “Queen of Kings.” Dutch broadcaster Avrotros criticized Klein’s disqualification as “disproportionate.”
In a statement on social media, the company said it was “shocked by the decision” and would “come back to this later”.
The contest organisers said “it would not be appropriate” for Klein to participate “while the legal process takes place”.
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, which sends acts to Eurovision, said:
“Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected.
“This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camerawoman.”
According to the statement, the organization had “consulted extensively” with the EBU and had “proposed several solutions,” yet the decision to disqualify Klein was still made.
Klein, whose song “Europapa” had positioned him as one of the favorites to win this year’s contest, dedicated the pro-Europe techno anthem to his father, whom he lost to cancer at the age of 12.
At 26, the singer had vowed to fulfill his promise to his father by making it to the Eurovision stage.
The news of his suspension surfaced on Friday afternoon, amid the initial dress rehearsal for Saturday’s televised grand final.
While Klein’s props were being arranged on stage inside the Malmö Arena, a production manager signaled for their removal.
Subsequently, his song was omitted from the lineup without explanation, and Israel’s entrant Eden Golan took his place.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for organizing the event, later released a statement acknowledging that they were “investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.”
