Eurovision organizers stop Dutch attempt; concerns about disqualification

The Eurovision regional media “Wiwibloggs” reports that the representative of the Netherlands, Joost Klein, was not allowed to participate in the big dress rehearsal on Friday, the day before the final, because the organizers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), are currently investigating a reported “incident”.

On Friday, media representatives in the Swedish city of Malmö saw the Dutch singer marching in the opening flag parade. However, when it came time for Klein’s tryout – he performed as number 5 – he was nowhere to be seen. Instead, footage from his semi-final performance was played.

In a statement released to the media shortly after news of Joost’s no-show emerged, the EBU confirmed it was investigating the incident:

We are currently investigating an incident reported to us involving a Dutch artist. He will not attend rehearsals until further notice.

“We have no comment at this time and will provide an update in due course.”

Of course, the incident was a breeding ground for speculations and rumours. As Eurovision fans speculate, the “incident” may have been a dispute between the representative of the Netherlands and someone from the Israeli delegation.

Since the start of Eurovision, relations between the representatives of the Netherlands and Israel have been strained due to the fact that Israel has been allowed to participate in the contest this year despite what is happening in the Gaza Strip and Palestine. We already wrote earlier that due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, widespread protests broke out, calling for a boycott of Eurovision.

At the press conference after the second semi-final, Klein disparaged the representative of Israel. Fans speculate that Klein later punched a member of the Israeli delegation for laughing at the death of the artist’s parents.

https://twitter.com/aziratardis/status/1788926964272644328

Although the EBU has not officially announced the next course of action regarding the incident, fans fear it could mean a disqualification for Joost Klein.

https://twitter.com/Jelle_ESC/status/1788929074275942616

https://twitter.com/moonysmusic/status/1788941106417152394

https://twitter.com/TanookiLiam/status/1788932986240385079

https://twitter.com/ALKMapache/status/1788947901294469409

https://twitter.com/EuroQueensPod/status/1788920047223648628

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The representative of the Netherlands in Eurovision, Joost Klein. Photo: EPA/JESSICA GOW