The Eurovision Song Contest faced a new controversy this Saturday as organizers disqualified the contestant from the Netherlands, Joost Klein, just hours before the grand final. The disqualification came after an incident involving a member of Klein’s team led to a police investigation. Despite the Dutch public broadcaster criticizing the move as disproportionate, the EBU stood by their decision, stating that the legal process needed to be completed before Klein could continue in the competition.
This incident added tension to an already fraught competition, with controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating in Malmö led to calls for Israel to be excluded from the contest, similar to Russia’s ban in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The EBU had already ordered Israel to change the lyrics of their song, adding to the divisive atmosphere.
With tensions rising in Malmö ahead of the final, security was heightened, and protesters were expected to gather outside the arena. Despite the peaceful atmosphere in the city, the possibility of Israel winning the contest added to the apprehension surrounding the event. Bookmakers had Israel as a top contender, alongside Croatia, Switzerland, France, Ireland, and Ukraine.
The Eurovision Song Contest, known for its apolitical stance, found itself embroiled in geopolitical issues due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, leading to calls for participants to express their views on the matter. Golan, representing Israel, faced criticism during a jury performance when she was booed by some in the audience.
As the competition neared its grand final, the fallout from these controversies continued to loom over the event, adding an extra layer of complexity to what is usually a celebration of music and unity.