The Netherlands won’t be represented on this night’s Eurovision Tune Contest Grand Closing after their artist Joost Klein was disqualified.
The European Broadcasting Union launched an announcement Saturday morning saying the Dutch artist, beforehand one of many breakout stars of this 12 months’s Contest along with his tune ‘Europapa’, wouldn’t be allowed to compete on this night’s Closing in Malmo, Sweden.
The assertion from the EBU mentioned: “It could not be applicable for him to proceed within the contest” whereas the authorized course of takes place.”
The BBC reviews that Klein has been despatched house after an allegation of intimidation was made to Swedish police by a feminine member of the manufacturing crew. They quote the response of Dutch broadcaster Avrtotros, saying the choice was “disproportionate” and that they’re “shocked by the choice.”
Klein is being investigated by Swedish police after an altercation between him and a photographer, as reported by Eurovoix Information. He was prevented from performing in Friday night’s Jury Closing (the place the nationwide juries watch the performances to vote), and a video of his semi-final efficiency the earlier night performed as an alternative.
That is an additional problem for a Contest already mired in controversy over Israel’s participation. Whereas the Israeli entry Eden Golan acquired via the semi-final on Thursday and is now the second favorite to win the competitors, protests exterior the venue attracted a reported 12,000 individuals, demonstrating in opposition to Israel’s inclusion within the multi-national occasion.