Dutch performer Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest, organizers of the show announced on Saturday, just hours before the grand final.
Klein was under investigation for an incident that took place off stage, with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the competition organizers, providing clarity on the situation on Saturday.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final,” the European Broadcasting Union said in a statement.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest,” it said.
Rumors ever since Friday’s no-show
Klein, who is 26 years old, was not able to perform in Friday evening’s jury final while the investigation was ongoing. A video of his performance from Thursday evening’s semi-final was used instead.
He was considered among the favorites with his song “Europapa,” with Croatia and Switzerland among those tipped to take the trophy tonight.
Though the contest’s motto is “united by music,” this year’s event has attracted large protests from Palestinians and their supporters, who say Israel should be excluded because of its conduct of the war against Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by many countries including Germany and the US.
rm/msh (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
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