Dutch broadcaster livid, followers bemused after Netherlands’ Joost Klein is booted from Eurovision

MALMO, Sweden — A Dutch public broadcaster reacted angrily after the Netherlands’ contestant within the Eurovision Track Contest was dramatically expelled from the competitors hours earlier than Saturday’s remaining over a backstage incident that’s being investigated by police.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, stated Swedish police have been investigating “a grievance made by a feminine member of the manufacturing crew” about Joost Klein, and it might not be acceptable for him to take part whereas the authorized course of was underway.
Klein had didn’t carry out at two costume rehearsals on Friday within the Swedish metropolis of Malmo, and organizers had stated they have been investigating an “incident.” Although rumors had been flying the incident was linked to Israel’s delegation, organizers stated the incident “didn’t contain every other performer or delegation member.”
It was unclear whether or not Klein was nonetheless in Malmo on Saturday.
Such a last-minute disqualification is unprecedented within the 68-year historical past of Eurovision, though international locations have boycotted the occasion and in some circumstances been expelled — together with Russia, kicked out after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTOS, one among dozens of public broadcasters that collectively fund and broadcast the competition, stated it “finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the choice.”
“We deeply remorse this and can come again to this later,” it stated in an announcement.
The 26-year-old Dutch singer and rapper had been a bookies’ favourite, in addition to a fan favourite, along with his tune “Europapa,” an upbeat Euro-techno ode to the continent that can also be a tribute to Klein’s dad and mom who died when he was a baby.
The competitors that pits nations towards each other for pop music glory has already been marked by division over the inclusion of Israel. It has attracted giant protests from Palestinians and their supporters, who say Israel needs to be excluded due to its conduct of the conflict towards Hamas.