The Dutch performer Joost Klein has been removed from the Eurovision Song Contest following an incident backstage.
A female member of the production crew reported an allegation of intimidation to Swedish authorities.
Organizers of the contest stated that it would be inappropriate for Klein to continue participating while the legal process unfolds.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s contestant Bambie Thug missed their dress rehearsal but assured fans of their presence for the main show.
Explaining the absence on Instagram, Bambie Thug referenced a prior “situation” requiring urgent attention from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
There’s no indication of a connection between Klein’s disqualification and Bambie Thug’s absence.
Additionally, reports from Norway indicate that their jury representative, Allesandra Mele, has withdrawn due to the tense atmosphere in Malmo.
Avrtotros, the Dutch broadcaster, criticized Klein’s disqualification as disproportionate, pledging to address the matter further.
Klein, a top contender for this year’s Eurovision win with his song “Europapa,” dedicated the pro-Europe techno anthem to his father, who he lost to cancer at the age of 12. At 26, he had vowed to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him perform at Eurovision.
His suspension was announced on Friday afternoon during the first dress rehearsal for the televised final. As Klein’s props were being set up at the Malmö Arena, a production manager signaled for their removal.
Subsequently, his performance was skipped without explanation, and Israel’s Eden Golan took his place in the running order.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, later issued a statement saying they were “investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist”.
‘Zero tolerance’
On Saturday, Swedish police confirmed that a man had been reported for making “unlawful threats” at Malmö Arena, after Thursday’s semi-final.
“The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses,” a spokesperson said.
“The investigation has been completed by the police… and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”
The EBU subsequently confirmed Klein would not be taking part in Saturday’s grand final.
“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,” they said.
“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”
Although contestants have been disqualified from Eurovision in the past, none has ever lost their place this close to the final.
More commonly, songs are rejected at the selection stage. In 2021, the Belarusian entry was banned after refusing to change lyrics that the contest deemed to be political in nature; while in 2016, Romania was barred from participating due to outstanding debts owed to the EBU.
Swedish and Dutch news outlets have said that the incident involved Klein and a member of the television production team.
Organisers stressed that “contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member”.
Early reports suggested there had been antagonism between Klein and Israel’s contestant, as feelings run high over the Israel-Gaza war.
At a Eurovision press conference on Thursday, Golan was asked whether she had “ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?”
When the Israeli singer was told by the moderator that she did not have to answer the question, Klein chimed in: “Why not?”
Golan replied: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here [if not].”
Earlier, when Klein was asked if his song could live up to the Eurovision slogan and unite people by music, he replied: “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.”
Saturday’s grand final will now progress with 25 acts, instead of the planned 26.
Dutch viewers are still allowed to vote, and the Dutch jury result (which was decided during Friday’s second dress rehearsal) is still valid.
It would not be possible for another act to replace Klein, partly because of the difficulty in adding new elements to the production at the last minute.
Organisers would also be unwilling to promote the eliminated, 11th-place contestant from Thursday’s semi-final, as it would contravene rules on revealing the results of the public vote.