Dutch artist Joost Klein was expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday following a complaint made by a female member of the production crew, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, said in a statement.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, on Friday, said it was investigating an incident involving Klein, 26, whose quirky song "Europapa" had originally made him one of the favorites ahead of Saturday's final.
Swedish police earlier on Saturday said a man had been questioned for threatening a Eurovision employee inside Malmo Arena following the competition's second semi-final on Thursday.
The person was not detained, police said without naming the individual, adding the matter had been referred to a prosecutor.
Why was Joost Klein kicked out of Eurovision?
"The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest," the official statement said. "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 behavior 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 behavior 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."
The statement addressed rumors spread online that Joost's departure from the competition was related to Israeli contestant Eden Golan.
The rumors seemed to have been inspired by an interaction Joost had with Golan during an interview. While Golan was being advised she did not need to answer a journalist's question on whether her presence endangered others, Klein could be heard commenting "Why not?"
Joost Klein in Europapa:"I don't care who you are, I don't care where you're from"Also Joost Klein: "Why not" after the Polish journalist blamed Eden Golan for all the threats she gets by radical Islamists, all the while he covers his head with the Dutch flag.So… pic.twitter.com/aCbOvDiB82
— Ella Travels (Ella Kenan) (@EllaTravelsLove) May 10, 2024
'Europapa'
Klein had been set to perform with the song 'Europapa' in Saturday night's grand final.
The song made headlines in GB News, which claimed the song breached Eurovision's rules on being non-political. Many interpreted the song as being anti-Brexit.
Israel's own contestant was forced to change her entry 'October Rain' to 'Hurricane' as a song about Hamas's October 7 terror attacks was perceived to be too political.
EBU updates scoring system
In response to the Netherlands' absence from the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, the organizers of the competition posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday the following measures:
"All contestants keep their number in the official Running Order. There will be NO song in position number 5."
"The jury results, received after Dress Rehearsal 2 on Friday 10 May have been recalculated so that the Netherlands will not receive any points. This is why all jury members have to rank all songs from 1 to 26."
"No points will be awarded to the Netherlands from the viewing public."
"Viewers in the Netherlands are still allowed to vote in the Grand Final and the Netherlands Jury result in still valid."
Furthermore, according to the post, the EBU informed all telecommunications partners that the Netherlands is no longer in the competition and that lines for Song 5 should be blocked. Additionally, the organizers asked "that no one attempts to vote for Song 5," as these votes will not be counted, but "viewers may be charged."
These adjustments reflect the organizational response to the Netherlands' withdrawal, ensuring fairness and clarity in the voting process.