Netherlands’ Eurovision 2024 entrant Joost Klein has been placed under investigation by the contest’s organisers due to an unexplained “incident”.
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The singer was not allowed to perform his song ‘Europapa’ during the final dress rehearsal in Malmö, Sweden on Friday (May 10), and it is currently unknown whether he will be able to perform in the grand final on Saturday (May 11).
The European Broadcasting Union said in a statement: “We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
Klein’s most recent public appearance was during the flag parade at the start of the Friday rehearsal, but he did not appear during his performance slot approximately 30 minutes later.
Klein is scheduled to perform in the fifth slot in the ceremony, one place before Israel’s Eden Golan. Her song ‘Hurricane’, which has been at the centre of a storm of controversy, is now being listed as the second-favourite to win the competition, behind Croatia. Klein himself is listed in the top ten contenders for the title.
Many have voiced strong opposition to Israel being allowed to compete in the 2024 edition of the song contest in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Golan was booed during early dress rehearsals on Wednesday (May 8), and again during the semi-finals a day later, this time with a mix of cheering as well.
Golan said that she was “overwhelmed with emotions” after officially qualifying for the final following a public vote, amid a day of protests in support of Gaza.
“It is truly such an honour to be here on stage, representing [Israel] with pride,” she continued. “I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me.”
Israel’s inclusion has been criticised as “cultural cover and endorsement for the catastrophic violence that Israel has unleashed on Palestinians” by organisations such as Queers for Palestine, who wrote an open letter to UK entry Olly Alexander to boycott the contest this year.
Recently, the European Broadcasting Union put out a statement to warn against the “abuse and harassment” artists were facing for their participation.
The Deputy Director of the EBU wrote that whilst the EBU “strongly” supports “freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society”, “we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest.”
It comes after Eurovision organisers also recently confirmed that that they reserve the right to remove Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols during the contest.
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