Joost Klein: The Eurovision Song Contest disqualified Dutch participant

Joost Klein: The Eurovision Song Contest disqualified Dutch participant

Following a backstage incident, Joost Klein, a Dutch musician, has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest.

After a female member of the production team accused the performance of intimidating Swedish police, the performer was sent home.

The event organizers said in a statement that "it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest" while the lawsuit was pending.

Avrtotros, a Dutch broadcaster, referred to Klein's omission as "disproportionate".

The corporation claimed it was "shocked by the decision" and that it will "come back to this later" in a social media message.

With his song Europapa, Klein was one of the favorites to win this year's competition.

This pro-European techno song was dedicated to his father, who he lost to cancer when he was twelve years old.

The singer, who is now 26 years old, made a promise to his father that he would perform at Eurovision.

It was at the first dress rehearsal for Saturday's broadcast grand final on Friday afternoon when he was suspended.

A production manager told Klein that his props needed to be taken down while they were being put up on stage inside the Malmö Arena.

Then, without any explanation, his song was skipped, and Eden Golan, the next competitor in the running order, of Israel, took his place.

Later thereafter, the event's organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), released a statement stating that they were "investigating an incident that was communicated to us involving the Dutch artist".

"No tolerance"

Following Thursday's semifinal, a man was reported by Swedish police on Saturday for making "unlawful threats" at Malmö Arena.

"The police have taken all essential investigative measures as well as questioned the person being investigated, plaintiff and witnesses," according to a spokeswoman.

"The investigation has been completed by the police... as well as the case will now go to the prosecutor probably a few weeks."

Klein later received confirmation from the EBU that she would not be competing in Saturday's grand final.

"We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards improper conduct at our event and are committed to providing an atmosphere of safety and security for all staff at the Contest," they said.

"In conjunction with this, Joost Klein's behaviour towards a team a member is deemed in breach of Contest rules."

While there have been previous cases of contestants being disqualified from Eurovision, none of them had ever lost their spot thus close to the finale.

Songs are often passed over throughout the choosing process. The Belarusian entrant was disqualified in 2021 for refusing to alter lyrics that the competition considered to be political, while Romania was disqualified from competing in 2016 because of unpaid payments to the EBU.

According to press reports from Sweden and the Netherlands, Klein was engaged in the incident together with a member of the television production crew.

The organizers emphasized that "contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any additional performers or delegation member" .

Initial reports indicated a strong dislike between Klein and Israel's competitor due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Golan was questioned on Thursday at a press conference for Eurovision whether she had "at least once thought that by being here you bring danger and uncertainty for other participants and public?"

Klein interjected, asking "Why not?" after the moderator informed the Israeli singer that she was under no need to respond to the question.

Golan said, "I think we're all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU is taking takes every safety measure to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it's safe for all participants and we wouldn't be here [if not]."

Klein had before said, "I think that's a good question for the EBU," in response to a query about whether his song could live up to the Eurovision tagline and bring people together through music.

Instead of the originally scheduled 26 performances, only 25 will advance to the grand final on Saturday.

Voting by Dutch viewers is still open, and the Dutch jury's decision—made at Friday's second dress rehearsal—remains enforceable.

Klein's absence could not be filled by another act, in part due to the logistical challenges of incorporating last-minute changes into the production.

Because it would be against the regulations to disclose the results of the public vote, the organizers would also be hesitant to elevate the ousted competitor who finished in 11th place in Thursday's semi-final.