Eurovision Song Contest chiefs disqualify Dutch entrant over backstage incident

Police in the Swedish city of Malmo were on Saturday investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour which led to the exclusion of the Dutch singer Joost Klein from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

Klein, 26, was barred from the competition less than 12 hours before he was due to go on stage with his entry Europapa.

On Friday night, he failed to appear for the dress rehearsal even though his props were set up on stage inside the Malmo Arena.

After a production manager ordered their removal, the running order moved onto Israel's entrant Eden Golan. The European Broadcast Union (EBU), which organises the annual competition, said Klein had been suspended due to a backstage incident.

On Saturday, the EBU confirmed he had been disqualified.

"The Swedish police are investigating a complaint lodged by a female member of the production team following an incident that occurred after her performance in Thursday night's semi-final," the EBU statement said.

"While the legal proceedings take their course, it would be inappropriate for him to continue to take part in the competition," the EBU added.

On Thursday, at the press conference following the semi-finals, Klein, said he was unhappy about being placed next to Golan in the running order.

The EBU said Klein's disqualification was not related to his attitude towards Golan.

"Contrary to what some media have reported and to what some speculations on social networks suggest, this incident (which led to his exclusion) did not involve any other artist or member of the delegation."

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