Joost Klein: The Dutch competitor was eliminated from the Eurovision Song Contest

Following a backstage incident, Joost Klein, a Dutch musician, has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest.

After a female member of the production crew accused the performance of intimidating Swedish police, the performer was sent home.

The event organisers stated in a statement that “it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest” while the lawsuit was pending.

Avrtotros, a Dutch broadcaster, referred to Klein’s omission as “disproportionate”.

The corporation claimed it was “shocked by the decision” and that it will “come back to this later” in a social media message.

With his song Europapa, Klein was one of the favourites to win this year’s competition.

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This pro-European techno song was dedicated to his father, who he lost to cancer when he was twelve years old.

The singer, who is currently 26 years old, made a promise to his father that he would perform at Eurovision.

It was at the first dress rehearsal for Saturday’s broadcast grand final on Friday afternoon that he was suspended.

A production manager told Klein that his props needed to be taken down as they were being set up on stage inside the Malmö Arena.

Then, without any explanation, his song was skipped, and Eden Golan, the next competitor in the running order, of Israel, took his place.

Later thereafter, the event’s organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), released a statement stating that they were “investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist”.

“Zero tolerance”

Following Thursday’s semifinal, a man was reported by Swedish police on Saturday for making “unlawful threats” at Malmö Arena.

“The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff, and witnesses,” according to a spokeswoman.

“The investigation has been completed by the police and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”

Klein later received confirmation from the EBU that she would not be competing in Saturday’s grand final.

“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest,” they stated.

“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”

According to news reports from Sweden and the Netherlands, one of the television production crew members was involved in the event.

The organizers emphasized that “contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member” .

Initial reports indicated a strong dislike between Klein and Israel’s competitor due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Golan was questioned on Thursday at a press conference for Eurovision if she had “ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?”

Klein interjected, asking “Why not?” after the moderator informed the Israeli singer that she was under no need to respond to the question.

Golan responded, “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 and we wouldn’t be here [if not].”

In response to a question earlier about whether his song could live up to the Eurovision motto and bring people together through music, Klein said, “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.”

Instead of the originally scheduled 26 performances, only 25 will advance to the grand final on Saturday.

Voting by Dutch viewers is still open, and the Dutch jury’s decision—made at Friday’s second dress rehearsal—remains enforceable.

Klein’s absence could not be filled by another act, in part due to the logistical challenges of incorporating last-minute changes into the production.

Because it would be against the regulations to disclose the results of the public vote, the organisers would also be hesitant to promote the ousted competitor who finished in 11th place in Thursday’s semi-final.

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