Eurovision: Joost Klein misses Dutch rehearsal after 'incident'

It has been reported by the organisers that the Dutch representative for Eurovision did not participate in the final rehearsal on Friday due to "a happening".

As the preparations were being made for Joost Klein's performance at the Malmö Arena, the production manager gestured to have his props taken away from the stage.

According to the European Broadcasting Union [EBU], there is an ongoing investigation into a reported incident involving the Dutch performer. As a result, rehearsals have been put on hold until more information is gathered.

We do not have any additional remarks currently and will provide further information at the appropriate time.

There has been no disclosure regarding the specifics of the event that occurred.

There was some uncertainty in the venue while they were practicing as Klein's Europapa silence without clarification and Eden Golan, Israel's participant next in line, filled the gap.

The sudden alteration indicates that the "event" occurred recently - conceivably happening while the two performers were waiting in the wings.

The BBC reached out to the EBU for more clarification on the matter.

While the rehearsals were ongoing, the organizers decided to add Klein's song to the voting montage. They used some clips from a previous rehearsal, which gives a clue that they are counting on his participation in the jury final that would take place on Friday night.

The live broadcast of the ultimate public event is set to occur this coming Saturday.

Israel's involvement in Eurovision has sparked debate due to the escalating number of civilian fatalities and deteriorating conditions for humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The Swedish host city has seen demonstrators expressing their disapproval.

During a press event for the Eurovision song contest, Golan was questioned on Thursday about whether she had considered the possibility that her presence could pose a potential danger to both the other performers and the audience.

During the conversation, the moderator advised the Israeli vocalist that she need not respond to the question. Klein interjected and asked, "Why is that?"

Golan answered, "I believe that every one of us is present here for a particular purpose. The EBU is ensuring complete safety measures to create a secure and united environment for each person. Therefore, it's a safe zone for everyone, and we wouldn't be here otherwise."

Before, someone asked Klein if his song could bring people together through music like the Eurovision motto suggests, and Klein responded by saying that it would be better for the EBU to answer such a question.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided to call off a media briefing scheduled for Friday, which was to feature the United Kingdom participant, Olly Alexander, and the four other countries classified as the "big five" that have an automatic pass to the finals and are not required to participate in the semi-finals.