EBU has issued a brief statement informing that Joost Klein, the representative of the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024, has been disqualified from the competition because the Swedish police are still investigating the incident after the second semi-final. ‘While the legal process is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest,’ says the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
According to the organisers, the incident did not involve any other representative or delegation member. In doing so, they are trying to put a stop to rumours and speculation on social media.
The organisers state that Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member on Thursday night after the broadcast of the second semi-final ‘is considered a violation of the rules of the competition’ following the guidelines of their zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour.
It has therefore been decided that tonight’s competition will have only 25 countries taking part. It should be recalled that the Dutch flag-bearer did not perform in any of the rehearsals yesterday. In fact, in the evening’s jury show, the jurors watched and assessed his semi-final performance.
This unusual situation has prevented the rest of the world’s vote for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 after being delayed for several hours.
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.
EBU
Dutch broadcaster (AVROTROS) answer to the disqualification
The Dutch broadcaster’s answer to this disqualification has been terse but direct. It was published on their official social media profiles.
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.
AVROTROS
joost klein did nothing wrong, free palestine ❤️