In a dramatic turn of events, Dutch artist Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest just hours before the highly anticipated final. The decision came after a backstage incident that left the production crew in turmoil.
The controversy began when a female member of the production crew filed an allegation of intimidation against Klein. According to reports, Klein had repeatedly expressed his reluctance to be filmed and insisted that he did not want to be captured on camera. However, his wishes were not respected, leading to a tense confrontation.
The Dutch broadcaster, Avrotros, which sends acts to Eurovision, called the disqualification “disproportionate.” They explained that Klein had made a threatening movement toward the camerawoman but did not physically touch her. Despite extensive consultations with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and proposed solutions, the decision to disqualify Klein was upheld.
Klein, who had been among the favorites to win this year’s contest with his song “Europapa,” dedicated the pro-European techno anthem to his late father, whom he lost to cancer at the age of 12. His dream of performing on the Eurovision stage was shattered when news of his suspension emerged during the first dress rehearsal for the televised grand final.
As the tension mounts in Malmö, Sweden, where the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place, the EBU maintains a “zero tolerance” policy. Swedish police confirmed that a man had been reported for making “unlawful threats” at Malmö Arena following Thursday’s semi-final.
The unexpected disqualification has left fans and fellow contestants in shock, and the Eurovision stage will now miss out on Klein’s electrifying performance. The question remains: Who will take the crown in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest? Only time will tell as the grand final unfolds tonight.
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