DUTCH act Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest grand final while Swedish police investigate allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the European Broadcasting Union said.
Entering with the song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents, the 26-year-old rapper and singer from the Netherlands had qualified for the grand final on Thursday evening at the Malmo Arena venue in Sweden.
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the grand final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“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.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest.
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“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain 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.
“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules.
“The grand final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.”
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has said that it finds Joost Klein’s disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest over allegations of inappropriate behaviour to a member of staff at the contest “disproportionate”.
In a statement on X/Twitter, the Netherlands’ delegation’s official page Songfestival said: “We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU. @AVROTROS finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision.
“We deeply regret this and will come back to this later.”
Swedish and Dutch news outlets have reported that he is being investigated after an incident involving a television production worker.
A spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said in a statement to the PA news agency: “A man is suspected of unlawful threats. The crime is said to have been committed at Malmo Arena on Thursday evening.
“The man is questioned by the police but not detained. The plaintiff is an employee at Eurovision.
“The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police.
“The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”
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