Why was Netherlands’ act Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision? | YG94F5W | 2024-05-11 21:08:01
Why was Netherlands' act Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision? | YG94F5W | 2024-05-11 21:08:01
The Netherlands' future in tonight's Eurovision Song Contest seems to be over after a 'backstage incident' involving Dutch performer Joost Klein has led to his being axed from the line-up.
This began as the musician, 26, was pulled from appearing in last night's dress rehearsal while organisers investigated the incident.
Klein was set to perform, with all of his props waiting on stage at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, where this year's contest is being held.
However, the singer was a no-show, and his performance was skipped without any explanation.
Swedish news have since reported that the star is being investigated after an incident occurred involving a television production worker. This means that he will not appear on tonight's live final.
Follow our Eurovision 2024 final live blog
But who is Joost Klein, and what led to his being disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest?
Who is Joost Klein?
Known professionally as Joost, the Dutch performer is a musician, singer and former YouTuber.
His style is described as mainstream pop with elements of happy hardcore and pop punk.
Klein's 2023 song Friesenjung was a number one hit in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with over 100 million streams worldwide, and scoring the artist a Best Song award in Germany.
What is his song for the Netherland's Eurovision entry?
Klein is expected to perform the song Europapa, which features lyrics such as 'Europe, let's come together. It's now or never, I love you all.'
Written by Klein along with six other songwriters, it is described as a 'very Dutch' '90s era song, and a 'love letter' to his late father, who taught him that 'love has no borders.'
The song has broken the record for the most streamed song in a single day on Spotify in the Netherlands.
What do we know about the incident?
Little is known about the inciting incident which led Eurovision bosses to pull Klein from dress rehearsals.
The act was pulled from the show without warning. In the aftermath, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) initially said they were 'investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.'
Subsequent reports revealed that a female production crew member made a complaint regarding the singer.
The EBU therefore said it would 'not be appropriate' for Klein to continue in the competition while the legal process was ongoing.
In a statement shared with Metro.co.uk, the 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. The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.'
It was speculated that Klein's absence could relate to his ongoing clash with Israeli journalists and allegations of a rift between him and Israeli performer Eden Golan.
This year's competition has sparked controversy due to the inclusion of Israel competitor Eden Golan, performing her song Hurricane (renamed from its more politically charged title October Rain).
This year's Eurovision has been subject to boycotts, with bosses pressured to exclude Israel from the competition due to the country's ongoing assault against Hamas in Gaza since October – leading to 35,000 deaths and counting.
Following the second semi-final, Klein appeared to show his discomfort at being seated next to Golan in a press conference by repeatedly covering his face with a Dutch flag.
On Thursday's conference, Klein told Golan she should answer a question on whether she is comprising the safety of other contestants.
A journalist asked Golan: 'Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?'
When the moderator told the 20-year-old that she did not have to answer the question, Klein snapped back: 'Why not?'
Has he been disqualified?
In light of recent events, it Klein and the Netherlands have been immediately disqualified from the competition.
Klein was last seen briefly at rehearsals on Friday during the flag parade before missing his performance.
When previously asked if his song can unite people by music, Klein replied: 'I think that's a good question for the EBU.'
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs on BBC One and iPlayer from 8pm.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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