Bambie Thug, the representative for Ireland in this year’s Eurovision, has called on the contest’s organisers to show “some humanity” in relation to the handling of political issues arising around the competition. The Israel/Palestine conflict has given rise to calls that Israel should not be allowed to compete this year, with some fans threatening to boycott the contest. Bambie Thug was reported to have cried when they learned Israel had qualified for the final, a situation they feel is being “completely overshadowed” by the controversy.
Earlier, the artist had been forced to alter politically charged messages they had painted onto their skin for their costume, with reports that the messages contravened contest rules that aim to keep the event non-political. The body paint, in Ogham script, read “ceasefire” and “freedom”. The paint was changed to read “crown the witch” on orders from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) just prior to the artist’s appearance.
According to reports, Bambie Thug also expressed concerns that the boycott of the competition might lead to Ireland being hindered in its performance and losing out on votes. However, the artist remains committed to the Palestinian cause and their pro-Palestine message. They have condemned suggestions that their position implies antisemitism, and stressed that they are opposed to war, occupation, oppression, and violence towards civilians and children.
The broader issue of political and social impact on the Eurovision contest is not new. Indeed, in past years, there have been calls for boycotts over issues such as human rights and LGBT rights, leading to the exclusion of certain countries from taking part. The conflict in Israel/Palestine appears set to continue and is expected to have an impact on the Eurovision contest for the foreseeable future, with a number of respondents calling on the EBU to take a stance in relation to political issues more generally
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