The Dutch entry for Eurovision 2024 has still not commented on his controversial disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest, despite having arrived back in the Netherlands on Sunday. The artist was removed from the competition, which was won by Nemo from Switzerland, following an incident with a TV producer during the semi-final on May 9.
Following the controversial decision to pull Klein’s act from the Eurovision final on May 11, the singer remained quiet on the matter, instead taking to Instagram to post dog videos on his story. Though the precise nature of the incident remains unclear, the European Broadcasting Union issued a statement on the day of the final declaring that the Dutch Eurovision entry would not be competing in the grand final following a complaint from a female producer.
“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. We are not prejudging the legal process but, while it takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest,” the statement read.
“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,” the statement added.
Dutch broadcaster AVOTROS also issued a statement regarding the issue. “An incident occurred after last Thursday's performance. Against clear agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This was not heeded,” the organisation said.
AVOTROS’ statement claims that Klein then made a threatening gesture towards a camera but did not touch the camera operator, and argued that the measures taken by the EBU were “very heavy and disproportionate”. “We stand for good manners, let there be no misunderstanding about that, but in our view, an exclusion measure is disproportionate to this incident. We are very disappointed and upset, also for all the millions of fans who were so looking forward to tonight."
"What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe should not have ended this way,” AVOTROS stated.
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