Eden Golan's Eurovision unpleasantries - not just from protesters

Social media users noticed the absence of Eurovision elevator interviews host, Rylan Clark, in the video in which Golan appears.

 Eden Golan representing Israel performs on stage during the rehearsal of the second semi-final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 8, 2024. (photo credit: LEONHARD FOEGER / REUTERS)
Eden Golan representing Israel performs on stage during the rehearsal of the second semi-final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 8, 2024.
(photo credit: LEONHARD FOEGER / REUTERS)

Eden Golan, Israel’s Eurovision Song Contest participant, has been facing criticism and apparent double standards since she arrived in Malmo for the contest amid the Israel-Hamas war, but now it's not just from pro-Palestinian protesters.

Social media users remarked on Thursday on the absence of the host of the Eurovision elevator interviews, Rylan Clark, in the video in which Golan appears. Instead of Clark, the Eurovision-related trivia was posed by an off-screen voice. 

In an additional incident, in a video published on Thursday, last year’s runner-up from Finland, the singer Käärijä, could be seen dancing with Israel’s Golan. Later on Thursday, he commented on the event in an Instagram story. “I happened to meet Israel’s Eurovision representative today, and a video was filmed of us,” the post read. 

“It was then posted on social media without my permission. Despite my requests for its removal, it has not been taken down. I would like to clarify and emphasise that the video is not a political statement or an endorsement of any kind,” wrote Käärijä. 

 EDEN GOLAN performs ‘Hurricane’ in her second rehearsal before Thursday night’s Eurovision semi-final. (credit: SARAH LOUISE BENNETT/EBU)
EDEN GOLAN performs ‘Hurricane’ in her second rehearsal before Thursday night’s Eurovision semi-final. (credit: SARAH LOUISE BENNETT/EBU)

Golan responds to Polish journalist: 'Safe for everyone'

Separately, during a press conference after she had advanced to the final, a Polish journalist asked Golan, “Have you ever thought that by being here, you bring risk and danger for other participants?”

Told she didn't have to answer the question, Golan responded, nonetheless, “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only. And the EBU [European Broadcasting Union] is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, so I think it’s safe for everyone.”