THE Dutch broadcaster who sent the country’s entry to Eurovision has hit out at the decision to disqualify the country’s contestant.
Just hours before Saturday’s final, Dutch singer and rapper Joost Klein was excluded from the main show.
It was one of many incidents in a Eurovision marked by controversy, with Ireland’s Bambie Thug hitting out at organisers after the show amid a row with Israel.
Pro-Palestine campaigners also protested at the event while many fans boycotted due to Israel’s entry as its act Eden Golan faced boos on stage.
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Here’s what you need to know about the Netherland’s disqualification.
Why was Joost Klein disqualified?
The singer was excluded from the main show due to an incident involving a female member of the show’s production crew, organisers said.
In a statement, they said: “Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his (Klein’s) 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 maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment.”
Organisers also said the incident did not involve performers or any other delegation members.
How have the Dutch responded?
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has said it was left “shocked” by the decision to boot Klein from the show.
They said: “Against the clearly made agreement, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the green room.
“At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected.
“This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camerawoman.”
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It further added that it had “consulted extensively” with the EBU and “proposed several solutions” but the decision was still taken to disqualify the contestant.
Tension with Israel
The disqualification came following reports of antagonism between Klein and Israel’s entry Golan (below).
At a 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 told by the moderator she did not have to answer the question, Klein chimed in and said “why not?”.
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