The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Dutch contestant disqualified in the last edition of Eurovision, Joost Klein, have given their opinion after the police investigation into a behind-the-scenes incident at the final of the contest in the Swedish city of Malmo was filed. .
Following the news that the Swedish Prosecutor’s Office has investigation withdrawn about the Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein by alleged inappropriate actions in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024the European Broadcasting Union (EBUfor its acronym in English) has issued a statement in which reiterates that its rules have been violated.
Jean Philip De Tender, EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media, said: “The decision to disqualify Mr. Klein from this year’s competition was made in strict accordance with the Eurovision Song Contest rules and governance procedures, following an internal investigation. “In parallel, the Swedish Police decided to open a formal investigation into Mr. Klein’s conduct during the Second Semi-Final, which we understand has been closed today without further action.”
“This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr. Klein behaved inappropriately and violated the pageant’s rules and procedures. Therefore, this new development has no meaning.” no impact on our decisionwhich we fully maintain.”
Klein reacts to the news: “There is no case against me, because there never was one”
For his part, Klein used Instagram to make his feelings known. “The last two months have been terrible. Although I love performing anywhere in the world, something didn’t feel right. Why did we have to wait so long for an answer? Every day I felt insecure while knowing the truth. There is no case against mewhy there never was“.
And he continued: “Everyone we should take care of each otherwe should all support each other and we should ALL unite. Companies just want to protect their money and tried to use me as a shield. A town against the city… Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN IF I HAVE LOST ALL HOPE.”
Klein, whose song ‘Europapa’ was one of the favorites of the contestwas disqualified of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 on the day of the grand final in Malmo due to accusations of inappropriate behavior towards a Eurovision photographer backstage. The incident led to the first disqualification after reaching the grand final in the 68 years of history of the contest.
The Swedish prosecutor closed the investigation due to lack of evidence: “The investigation has concluded that the man made a movement that hit the woman’s film camera. The course of events was rapid and witnesses to the incident perceived it differently. I have closed the investigation because “I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had such an intention.”
Dutch television network AVROTROS welcomed the Swedish decision, saying there was “nono evidence of criminal conduct“.”From the beginning we said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate,” reported the media, which added that planned to meet with the organizer soon to address the matter. “This unjustified disqualification will be central to this conversation,” he said in a statement sent to the AP agency.
Two months ago, Klein added the slogan “Eurovision 2025” to his social networks. This led to speculation that he might try to participate in the contest again next year in Switzerland.
Additional sources • EBU – AVROTROS – AP
