CONTROVERSIAL Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein has been axed from the competition tonight as police investigate an “incident” reported by a female member of the production crew.
With just hours to go the star was banned from the contest in Malmo, Sweden, after multiple complaints and bullying claims.
The flamboyant performer has now been told he will not be performing along with Eurovision acts from 25 other countries in tonight’s final.
A statement from Eurovision shared hours before the competition, said: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
“The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.”
It is understood Joost has not been arrested but was quizzed by officers at the arena for more than 30 minutes last night.
A Malmo Police spokeswoman did not name Joost but confirmed an investigation into a man’s alleged violent threats at the Malmo Arena has been passed to the Public Prosecutions Office.
Prosecutors take over criminal investigations in Sweden if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting someone has committed an offence.
It means the allegations could take weeks to settle while officials decide whether to charge him with an offence.
The police spokeswoman added: “There is a plaintiff we have identified.
“She is not one of the artists at the competition but an employee of Eurovision.
“We cannot confirm any more details.”
Dutch appeal
Protests have been made from the Dutch organising TV station, calling Joost’s disqualification “disproportionate”.
A spokesman for Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros said: “We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU.
“Avrotros finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision.
“We deeply regret this and will come back to this later.”
Bullying storm
It comes after Swedish TV network STV reported that Klein allegedly shoved a photographer, though this hasn’t been verified.
The former YouTuber is already a star in the Netherlands and was due to perform song Europapa with an EU flag.
He is mostly a hip hop artist who raps and samples electronic music.
It was first reported Klein was “pulled” from rehearsals on Friday after an “incident” was reported to Eurovision organisers.
Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Finalists:
- United Kingdom: Olly Alexander – Dizzy
- Sweden: Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable (2023 winning country)
- France: Slimane – Mon amour
- Germany: ISAAK – Always On The Run
- Italy: Angelina Mango – La Noia
- Spain: Nebulossa – ZORRA
- Serbia: TEYA DORA – RAMONDA
- Portugal: iolanda – Grito
- Slovenia: Raiven – Veronika
- Lithuania: Silvester Belt – Luktelk
- Ireland: Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue
- Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria
- Luxembourg: TALI – Fighter
- Finland: Windows95man – No Rules!
- Croatia: Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
- Cyprus: Silia Kapsis – Liar
- Armenia: LADANIVA – Jako
- Austria: Kaleen – We Will Rave
- Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup – (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
- Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter
- Greece: Marina Satti – ZARI
- Israel: Eden Golan – Hurricane
- Latvia: Dons – Hollow
- Norway: Gåte – Ulveham
- Netherlands: Joost Klein – Europapa
- Switzerland: Nemo – The Code
Out:
- Poland: LUNA – The Tower
- Iceland: Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
- Moldova: Natalia Barbu – In The Middle
- Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov – Özünlə Apar
- Australia: Electric Fields – One Milkali (One Blood)
- Malta: Sarah Bonnici – Loop
- Albania : BESA – TITAN
- Czechia: Aiko – Pedestal
- Denmark: SABA – SAND
- San Marino: MEGARA – 11:11
- Belgium: Mustii – Before The Party’s Over
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.
“He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
He also faced a backlash for his treatment of Israeli entry Eden Golan and was at the heart of “bullying” claims.
Klein told Israeli performer Eden Golan, 20, that she should respond to a question about jeopardising the safety of other competitors during a press conference on Thursday.
A journalist had asked her: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?”
The singer replied that she was “very excited to go on stage again, and share my love with everyone”, adding she was “overwhelmed with emotions”.
Israel’s involvement in the competition has been met with fierce criticism due to the country’s ongoing war against Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, has dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.
The competition bills itself as a non-political event and can disqualify countries who break that neutrality rules.
But security is on high alert in Malmo after nine protesters were warned about their behaviour.
Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators flooded the streets of Malmo on Thursday, with some of the furious mob even being caught with weapons on them by cops.
Olly Alexander will be representing Great Britain at the annual contest.
