Non-binary artist Bambie Thug, who is representing Ireland this year, says in an Instagram story that he missed a rehearsal this afternoon due to an incident. Although the artist did not specify the nature of this incident, it is a different event from the one that caused Joost Klein to be excluded from the contest this morning.
“Something happened while we were waiting to go on stage during the flag parade rehearsal,” reads Bambie Thug’s Instagram Story.
“Something happened that required urgent intervention by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU, which oversees the contest, editor’s note) – and the EBU took this matter seriously. We discussed the actions that needed to be taken,” added Bambie Thug, who did not was able to participate in the final rehearsal.
Tense last days
The last days of this particularly tense edition were marked, in addition to the pro-Palestine demonstrations, by the surprising exclusion of Joost Klein, the Dutch candidate, after an incident unrelated to Israel’s controversial participation.
“The Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a member of the production team following an incident that occurred after her performance during the semi-final on Thursday night,” the EBU explained in a statement.
“While the judicial procedure continues, it would not be appropriate for him to continue participating in the competition,” stated the organization, recalling that it applies “a policy of zero tolerance regarding inappropriate behavior.”
Source: BFM TV
