Joost Klein: Dutch contestant disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest
The person who writes about music for the BBC News
Joost Klein, a Dutch artist, got disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest due to an incident that happened backstage.
The artist was dismissed from their duties following an accusation of causing fear to a female staff member on the production team, which was reported to the Swedish authorities.
The organizers of the competition have announced that it is not suitable for him to remain in the contest while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Klein's exclusion from Avrtotros was deemed "unfairly excessive" by the Dutch broadcasting network.
The vocalist was one of the top picks for victory in this year's competition with his tune Europapa.
The song was an upbeat and supportive tribute to Europe, with a focus on technology. The artist composed it in memory of his dad, who he sadly lost to cancer when he was just a child of 12.
At the age of 26, the vocalist had assured his father that he would eventually perform on the Eurovision platform.
The announcement of him being suspended came out on Friday afternoon while the initial practice for the televised grand finale was taking place on Saturday.
The equipment belonging to Klein was being arranged on the performance platform located in the Malmö Arena when a manager in charge suggested that they should be taken away.
The melody he presented was abruptly omitted without a reason, and the participant from Israel named Eden Golan, who was scheduled to perform after him, substituted his turn.
The entity that manages the show, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), released a statement after they received a report of an incident related to the Dutch performer. They mentioned that they are currently looking into the matter.
Swedish authorities stated that a male individual was cited for making illegal statements at Malmö Arena on Saturday, following the semi-final contest that occurred on Thursday.
A representative stated that the police have carried out all necessary investigation procedures and interviewed the accused, complainant, and eyewitnesses.
The police have finished their inquiry and soon the prosecutor will receive the case.
Afterward, the EBU verified that Klein will not participate in the grand final on Saturday.
They stated that they have a strict policy of not tolerating any kind of improper conduct during the event and are dedicated to ensuring a safe and protected work atmosphere for all Contest employees.
Considering this information, the way Joost Klein treated a fellow team member goes against the regulations of the competition.
Media sources from Sweden and the Netherlands have reported that a person from the TV production crew was involved in the situation.
The people in charge made it clear that "despite what some news outlets and online conversations might say, this occurrence did not include any other artist or group member."
Initial accounts indicated that there was hostility between Klein and the participant representing Israel, as emotions are intense regarding the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
During a media briefing for Eurovision on Thursday, Golan was questioned if she had considered the possibility of putting other participants and the audience in danger by simply being present there.
When the moderator told the singer from Israel that she didn't have to respond to the query, Klein spoke up and asked, "What's the reason for that?"
Golan responded by saying that we have all gathered here for the same purpose. The EBU has taken all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone. Therefore, this place is secure and united for all. If it were not safe, we would not have come here.
Beforehand, when Klein was queried about whether his melody could fulfill the Eurovision catchphrase and bring people together through music, he answered, "That's a suitable inquiry for the EBU."
The upcoming grand final on Saturday will feature 25 performances, rather than the originally intended 26.
It would be challenging to find another performer to replace Klein due to the complications of incorporating fresh components into the production in such a short time frame.
The organizers wouldn't want to advertise the eliminated contestant who finished 11th in Thursday's semi-final, as it goes against the regulations of disclosing the public voting outcomes.
