AVROTROS, the organisers behind the Netherlands’ Eurovision entry, has issued a response to the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to disqualify its competitor.
Singer Joost Klein officially had his spot in the final revoked following an “incident” that led to an investigation by Swedish Police in the host city of Malmo.
The EBU had initially suspended Klein and he was unable to perform for the jury votes on Friday night, a decision that was met by a chorus of boos inside the arena at the time.
Social media was awash with speculation as to why Klein had been disqualified with rumours rife it was to do with his stance on Israel being allowed to compete.
But now, AVROTROS has explained all and slammed the EBU’s decision to prevent Klein from performing on Saturday evening.
It said in a statement: “An incident occurred after last Thursday’s performance. Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the green room.
Eurovision 2024: Joost Klein was disqualified from the competition
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“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 camera woman. This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU and police.
“Yesterday and today we consulted extensively with the EBU and proposed several solutions. Nevertheless, the EBU has still decided to disqualify Joost Klein.”
Sharing its stance on the EBU’s decision, AVROTROS added: “AVROTROS finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate.
“We stand for good manners -let there be no misunderstanding about that- but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident. We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight.
“What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe shouldn’t have ended this way.”
Klein, who was set to perform his song Europapa on Saturday, soon found himself flooded with support after the statement was shared to AVROTROS’ Instagram page.
AVROTROS’ statement comes in direct response to the EBU’s who’d announced earlier on Saturday: “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.
Joost Klein: The Netherlands entry had sailed through the semi-finals
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“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 behaviour 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 behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”
No act will replace the Netherlands in the grand finale and instead, the running order will consist of 25 acts rather than 26.
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