EUROVISION organisers have responded following allegations of a “tense” and “horrible” atmosphere backstage at this year’s contest.
The event faced backlash as many boycotted due to Israel’s entry amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
Italy’s Angelina Mango and Ireland’s Bambie Thug (below) were among those to talk of a “tense” atmosphere while the latter said “f*** the EBU” – referring to the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision – while speaking to reporters afterwards and accused organisers of not supporting them amid a row with Israel.
In a statement on Monday, the EBU acknowledged that several contestants had lodged complaints.
It said: “We regret that some delegations at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo didn’t respect the spirit of the rules and the competition both onsite and during their broadcasts.
“We spoke to a number of delegations during the event regarding various issues that were brought to our attention.
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“The EBU’s governing bodies will, together with the heads of delegations, review the events surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo to move forward in a positive way and to ensure the values of the event are respected by everyone.
“Individual cases will be discussed by the event’s governing body, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, made up of representatives from participating broadcasters, at its next meeting.”
Thousands of people protested on the streets of Malmo about Israel’s entry Eden Golan (below), who faced booing from the crowd during her performance.
Following the final, Bambie Thug accused Israel’s national broadcaster KAN of “inciting violence” against them during its coverage.
Lithuania’s entrant Silvester Belt meanwhile said that he regretted taking part in the final altogether.
Several entrants, including the UK’s Olly Alexander, signed a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in the run-up to the contest.
Elsewhere, Dutch singer Joost Klein was also sent home after being accused of intimidating behaviour by a female member of the production crew.
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