On Thursday, Klein is said to have been involved in some form of confrontation with a female photographer who worked for the EBU’s television production in Malmö.
“Inappropriate behavior”
The EBU refers to the zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior in connection with Eurovision and the importance of a safe working environment for both participants and staff.
Eurovision song contest 2024
Joost Klein’s behavior is against the competition rules, according to the EBU.
– I hope people expect the EBU to take action if a female employee in production makes this type of complaint. Something that we consider to be inappropriate and where there is now a legal process going on, says Noel Curran, Director General EBU to SVT.
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Hear Noel Curran, Director General EBU, comment on the decision to disqualify the Netherlands from the competition. Photo: SVT
Dutch TV rages: “Didn’t touch the photographer”
The Dutch television company Avrotros is furious after the announcement of the exclusion.
“Avrotros finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision. We deeply regret this and will return to it later”.
Dutch Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas, who was also on the committee that selected Klein’s entry, claims on X that what the artist is suspected of is just a small matter.
“It is hell for Joost Klein and his team,” he writes.
According to Avrotros, Joost Klein should have been filmed when he had just left the stage and was on his way to the green room in connection with Thursday’s semi-final. They say that Klein repeatedly asked not to be filmed but that it was not respected.
“This has led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the photographer,” writes Avrotros.
EBU: Not connected to another artist
During a press conference after Thursday’s semifinal, Joost Klein marked against the Israeli artist Eden Golan. But the EBU stressed on Saturday that their decision “did not involve any other artist or delegation member”.
The Dutch contribution’s starting position, number five, will not be replaced by another contribution, the EBU announced on Saturday afternoon.
Dutch viewers are still allowed to vote in the Grand Final and the results of the Dutch jury are still valid.
