This country's Eurovision act is 'being investigated' after 'incident'
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are investigating The Netherlands’ Eurovision entrant, after an undisclosed incident occurred at the song competition.
Joost Klein will not be rehearsing his song ‘Europapa’ again until “further notice”
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The Dutch singer missed his slot in the show’s second last dress rehearsal in Malmo, Sweden, on Friday.
Joost Klein. Pic: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
It is currently unclear whether the 26-year-old will be performing in Saturday’s grand final, where Ireland’s Bambi Thug will sing her track ‘Doomsday Blue’.
The EBU said in a statement: “We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
Joost Klein. Pic: Jessica Gow/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
According to Sky News the Dutchman appeared in full costume at the start of the rehearsal, walking around the stage for the flag parade. But he never returned to the stage, when he was due to perform, around 30 minutes later.
Before the news from the EBU, Klein had been vocal in a news conference, made up of the ten acts that had gotten through the second semi-final.
Joost Klein. Pic: Jessica Gow/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Towards the end of the news conference on Thursday night, Israel’s entrant Eden Golan was asked a question by the radio outlet ‘Newsletter’.
The Polish station asked the 20-year-old whether she thought she was causing a security risk for other participants by attending the event.
The moderator of the conference, Swedish presenter Jovan Radomir, told Golan she did not have to answer the question if she did not want to.
Pic: Jessica Gow/TT/REX/Shutterstock
Joost Klein questioned this advice, shouting loudly “Why not?”
Golan responded to the question: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only. And the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone. And so, I think it’s safe for everyone or we wouldn’t be here.”
This earned her a round of applause.
Israel’s participation in the competition has been met with a lot of criticism, with Swedish police estimating that between 10,000 and 12,000 people participated in a pro-Palestinian march on Thursday, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.
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