During Friday’s rehearsal before the Eurovision final, an incident occurred with the participation of the Dutch representative, as a result of which his participation in further preparations was suspended.
Eurovision 2024. “Incident” involving Joost Klein
On Friday, disturbing reports began to appear in the media Joost Klein, the representative of the Netherlands taking part in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Europapa”. Participant qualified for the final from the second semi-final he was to be excluded from participation in the trials. No official reason for this turn of events was given at that time.
He took part in the flag parade during the afternoon rehearsal, but did not perform his song, suggesting that the decision was made between the two parts of the rehearsal. During the summary of the performances, footage from his semi-final performance was shown – writes the Eurovision portal wiwibloggs.
She spoke about Joost Klein in the afternoon European Broadcasting Union (EBU) bringing together Eurovision participants. The organization told the media covering the competition a statement stating:
We are currently investigating an incident reported to us involving a Dutch artist. He will not participate in rehearsals until further notice. We have no further comments at this time and will update in due course
The Eurovision organizer also provided information about canceling the press conference with the automatic finalists. In the message sent to journalists, the reason was given as “the artists’ desire to focus on rehearsals.”
“Was there a physical confrontation” during the rehearsal?
European media are already reporting on the matter, including: BBC. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS and Klein himself have not commented on the incident so far. According to SVT, which is responsible for Eurovision in Sweden, during rehearsals “there was a physical confrontation between the artist and the photographer”. Aftonbladet reports, however, that the EBU has convened a crisis meeting on this matter, and the Dutch representative “is accused of using violence against a woman from a television production.”
?? According to information by Swedish broadcaster SVT, there has been a physical confrontation between Joost Klein and a photographer.
More: https://t.co/bK8HcC7Rt3
— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) May 10, 2024
UPDATE:
On Friday evening The European Broadcasting Union has presented another communication. As it is written, The investigation into the “incident” continues. The EBU is also in talks with AVROTROS.
While the investigation continues, the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform in the second dress rehearsal, during which jurors from all 37 participating countries will vote. His performance from the second semi-final will be broadcast during the rehearsal, it was announced.
Scandal before the Eurovision final. Will the Netherlands be disqualified? There is new information
Information about the behind-the-scenes scandal just before the Eurovision final caused a storm. Joost Klein, who represents the Netherlands, was involved in an “incident” due to which he was removed from rehearsals. The competition organizer started this…
Large final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024.
