Netherlands’ Joost Klein disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest
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The Eurovision Song Contest grand finale will be one song short tonight, as Dutch representative Joost Klein will not be performing, it has been confirmed.
Joost was representing the Netherlands with the song 'Europapa' in this year's contentious competition, but there was confusion when he didn't appear in yesterday's rehearsals.
Now a statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has officially announced his disqualification.
"The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest," the statement reads.
"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."
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS issued its own statement, which reads: "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 it later."
Controversy continues to envelop this year's Eurovision Song Contest due to the humanitarian crisis unfolding between Israel and Palestine.
Some have called for the expulsion of Israel from Eurovision 2024, and some fans have boycotted the event entirely.
Contestants for this year's finale, which celebrates 50 years since ABBA's historic win with 'Waterloo', include the UK's Olly Alexander with 'Dizzy', Ireland's Bambie Thug with 'Doomsday Blue', and Croatian act Baby Lasagna with 'Rim Tim Tagi Dim'.
The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will air tonight at 8pm on BBC One, following the two-part season premiere of Doctor Who.
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