The Netherlands has not digested its last-minute exclusion during Eurovision 2024, won by the Swiss Nemo. On Thursday, June 6, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros published a press release demanding “adjustments” following the disqualification of its candidate Joost Klein on May 11, the day of the final, in Malmö, Sweden. He threatens, between the lines, to withdraw from the competition.
“Until Avrotros is confident that structural adjustments are being made to put the artists and their musical message in the spotlight, we reserve the right to consider our participation in the contest,” they state.
“We still believe this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate,” the statement continued. While the broadcaster explains that it has agreed to “cooperate” with the investigations, it believes that “a broader, deeper and truly independent investigation is necessary to resolve the structural problems.”
Among those it lists: “the role of the delegations of the participating countries”, “the rules, procedures and possibilities of recourse in case of complaints”, as well as the “increasing pressures on artists and delegations during the competition.” “
Breaking scandal
The European Broadcasting Union, organizer of the competition, announced the exclusion of the Dutch candidate a few hours before the final. He justified his decision with the opening of an investigation by the Swedish police following a complaint filed by a member of the production team, due to an incident that occurred on the night of the semifinal.
“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 process continues, it would not be appropriate for him to continue participating in the competition,” the text continues.
The Dutch broadcaster then denounced a “disproportionate” measure and presented its version of the events: the Dutch competitor, who ran to the locker room after the semi-final, “indicated on several occasions that he did not want to be filmed. He would not be respected.”
“This prompted a threatening movement from Joost towards the cameraman. “Joost did not touch the cameraman,” the public broadcaster insisted in its statement.
This 68th edition of the international competition was also marked by a loud controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Many voices of protest were heard against the participation of the Jewish State due to the current Israeli response in Gaza, which had then left 34,000 dead according to Hamas, in retaliation for the massacre perpetrated by the terrorist organization that 1,170 dead on the Israeli side on October 7, 2023. In addition, some 130 Israeli hostages remain held in the Palestinian enclave.
Source: BFM TV
