Two days after Switzerland’s victory at Eurovision 2024, in Malmö, Sweden, the organizers return to this controversial edition. In a press release published on Monday, May 13 and broadcast by the BBC, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) “regrets” that some delegations have not “respected the spirit of the rules.”
“During the event we spoke with several delegations about various topics that they reported to us,” the organization said.
Before continuing: “The EBU governing bodies, in collaboration with the heads of delegation, will examine the developments surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö to move forward positively and ensure that the values of the event are respected by all,” We can read.
The EBU adds that each of the cases will be discussed later. But he does not specify which artists or which incidents he is referring to. However, the 68th edition of Eurovision was especially eventful.
Succession of controversies
Israel’s involvement in the Jewish state’s war against Hamas has been the subject of numerous boycott calls in recent months. It also gave rise to important pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the city of Malmö, outside the competition, where an important security system had been put in place precisely to avoid clashes.
Eden Golan, the Israeli candidate, was surrounded by a large police force throughout the competition and only left her hotel room for official rehearsals and performances. Furthermore, on the night of the final, the interpreter of Hurricane She was booed during her appearance on stage.
Bambie Thug, the openly pro-Palestinian Irish candidate, accused the Israeli broadcaster at the end of the competition of having “incited violence” against her, without giving further details:
“We spoke to the EBU about it and they waited until the last minute,” he told the media after the competition, as a video from The Independent shows.
“They have not communicated anything to us yet. They have let us become scapegoats (…). The (Israeli) station has not respected the rules and I hope that next year they will not be allowed to participate for this reason.” It was so hard, so horrible for us (…) Screw the EBU.”
Other images appear to show that some candidates were particularly harsh on Eden Golan. Starting with Bambie Thug, who, at the Sky News microphone, gave him a barely concealed hint. Sixth in the final classification, just behind the representative of Israel, the Irishwoman declared:
“The Top 6, except for one person, is composed entirely of freedom fighters.”
Tensions began during the first semi-final on May 7. Also according to the BBC, a commentator on Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, then claimed that Bambie Thug had “spoken ill of Israel,” adding “prepare your curses.” Probably a reference to the esoteric aesthetics of the Irish singer, which the latter would not like very much.
On Thursday of the second semi-final, during a collegiate press conference, the Greek candidate Marina Satti pretended to yawn and fall asleep while Eden Golan answered questions.
Joost Klein, the Dutch candidate, also stood out during the same press conference by expressing his disagreement with being placed next to Eden Golan. In particular, he had apparently covered his face on several occasions with the Dutch flag.
Backstage altercation
Joost Klein, in fact, is at the center of a parallel controversy for his elimination from the competition at the last minute for unclear reasons. The EBU announced his exclusion on May 11, hours before the grand final:
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a member of the production team following an incident that occurred after her performance in the semi-final on Thursday night,” the organization said.
Although he specified that the incident that gave rise to his exclusion “did not involve any other artist or member of the delegation.”
Avrotros, the Eurovision broadcaster in the Netherlands, reacted by explaining that Joost Klein had become angry after being filmed even though he had “repeatedly” asked not to be filmed. The fact that his request was not “respected” caused “a threatening movement” from the artist towards the camera. Avrotros specifies that “Joost did not touch the camerawoman.” Swedish police have opened an investigation for “intimidation” and, according to The Guardian, the 26-year-old singer is likely to face prosecution.
Nemo, non-binary artist who won the Swiss contest with his song The codeHe declared for his part that the experience had been “very intense”, and that “Eurovision perhaps needed some adjustments.”
Slimane, who defended France with his song Mon amour, launched a message of peace during his final rehearsal, launching, in reference to this year’s Eurovision motto: “united by music”: “We have to be united by music, Yeah”. , but in love and peace.”
Source: BFM TV
