The Netherlands won’t be represented on this night’s Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final after their artist Joost Klein was disqualified.
The European Broadcasting Union launched an announcement Saturday morning saying the Dutch artist, beforehand one of many breakout stars of this 12 months’s Contest along with his track ‘Europapa’, wouldn’t be allowed to compete on this night’s Final in Malmo, Sweden.
The assertion from the EBU mentioned: “It would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest” whereas the authorized course of takes place.”
The BBC studies that Klein has been despatched house after an allegation of intimidation was made to Swedish police by a feminine member of the manufacturing crew. They quote the response of Dutch broadcaster Avrtotros, saying the choice was “disproportionate” and that they’re “shocked by the decision.”
Klein is being investigated by Swedish police after an altercation between him and a photographer, as reported by Eurovoix News. He was prevented from performing in Friday night’s Jury Final (the place the nationwide juries watch the performances to vote), and a video of his semi-final efficiency the earlier night performed as a substitute.
This is an additional problem for a Contest already mired in controversy over Israel’s participation. While the Israeli entry Eden Golan received by way of the semi-final on Thursday and is now the second favorite to win the competitors, protests exterior the venue attracted a reported 12,000 individuals, demonstrating in opposition to Israel’s inclusion within the multi-national occasion.