Dutch broadcasting organisation AVROTROS has voiced their disappointment after their Eurovision entry, Joost Klein, was disqualified from the competition following verbal threats towards a female member of production crew. Klein was placed under investigation by Eurovision organisers following the incident, which occurred on May 10. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS criticised the decision, calling it “disproportionate,” despite acknowledging that “we stand for good manners – let there be no misunderstanding about that – but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident.”
The disqualification marks the first time a contestant has been disqualified before the final having already participated in the semi-final. Following reports and an investigation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the case has now been handed over to prosecutors. Klein has been questioned by police, but has not been taken into custody.
In a statement, Eurovision organisers made it clear that they have “a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.” They went on to add that Klein’s behavior was in “breach of contest rules.” The competition will continue tonight with 25 countries participating.
Irish Eurovision entry, Bambie Thug, also attracted attention after raising a complaint with organisers due to Israeli broadcaster KAN’s commentary on their performance. However, the focus is now on other performers as the competition continues
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