The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has forced Ireland’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Bambie Thug, to change her make-up due to the music institution’s rules against political statements, in what is effectively the second intervention since Eric’s quote was “cut” Saade, from Social Media, as he appeared with a Palestinian headscarf tied to his hand.
See also: Eurovision 2024: The Palestinian scarf on the hand of Eric Saade and the explosive appearance of Foureira – Everything that happened in the First Semi-Final (Video)
She announced the fact herself at the press conference after the first semi-final, noting that she received an order from the organizers of the song contest.
Specifically, according to The Journal, the messages, which were written in the ancient Irish language Ogham, became a topic of discussion, since they referred to Palestine and said “Freedom in Palestine” and “ceasefire”.
🇮🇪 When asked about Ogham writing on Bambie Thug’s body, which initially spelled “Ceasefire” and “Free Palestine”, they said they had to change it to “Crown the Witch” only per EBU notice.
[🎥 EBU] pic.twitter.com/29gerpUNRh
— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) May 7, 2024
Asked by a journalist at the press conference, the singer replied: “It was very important to me because I am for justice and peace. Unfortunately, I had to change these messages today [σ.σ. εννοεί 07/05]by order of the EBU”.
It is pointed out that the singer was pressured by supporters of Palestine to withdraw from the contest due to the presence of Israel in Eurovision 2024, but insisted on her participation, believing that she will act as a pro-Palestinian voice among the contestants.
Bambie Thug were among ten bands to progress from the first semi-final – the first time an Irish band has made it through since 2018.
The EBU will not upload Eric Saade’s appearance on social networks
It is recalled that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), “expressed its sadness” that the Swedish artist, of Palestinian origin, “did not respect the non-political nature of the competition”, and cut the singer’s quote from social networks.
Characteristically, in its relevant response to the Israeli media outlet Euromix, the EBU noted the following: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live show. All participants are aware of the rules of the contest and we apologize that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event. The European Broadcasting Union promises to look into the matter and provide answers later. At this point, the European Broadcasting Union decided not to upload the Swedish-Palestinian singer’s quote on social networks.
Some news from Eurovision
The Swedish-Palestinian artist Eric Saade (who came in third place in ESC 2011) showed up in the opening act with a keffiyeh and a Palestinian flag 🇵🇸 to protest Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest amidst the genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/F8CTnNFr0R
– Omar El Fares 🇵🇸🍉 Omar El Fares (@3lfares) May 7, 2024
Eric Saade, in a recent message on Instagram, had written: “First, this is a message of love. When I am no longer able to wear a symbol of my nationality in our so-called “free world”, it is more important than ever for me to participate. The EBU’s management of Eurovision is shameful. They do not allow any Palestinian symbols inside the arena, while symbols representing any other ethnicity in the world are welcome. Their slogan “United by music”, if you are not Palestinian, is already a joke. Is it reasonable to broadcast Israeli propaganda during prime time around the world but ban the Palestinian flag? Therefore, it is more important than ever for me to be present on this stage. You can take our symbols, but you cannot take my presence. I love you”.
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