Overnight, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) updated its statement regarding the disqualification of the Dutch representative, Joost Klein from the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
EBU’s updated statement on disqualified artist Joost Klein
The following statement has been issued by the EBU in response to an earlier public statement made by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS. Joost Klein was disqualified from the Grand Final on May 11.
The Dutch artist Joost Klein was disqualified from the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest following threatening behaviour directed at a female member of the production crew. Swedish police have investigated the offence, and the case will soon be handed over to the prosecutor in an accelerated procedure.
Joost’s behaviour was in clear breach of Contest rules which are designed to ensure there is a safe working environment for all staff and to protect the production. We are not pre-judging the legal process but, given the circumstances of what occurred and the fact that the police case will shortly be handed to the prosecutor, it would not have been appropriate for Joost to participate in the Grand Final.
The decision to exclude him was backed by the Contest’s governing body of Members – the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group – and unanimously supported by the EBU Executive Board, following a thorough internal investigation.
The version of events released in some public comments and on social media does not correspond with the statements shared with us and the Swedish Police by staff and witnesses. However, the matter is now subject to legal proceedings and there is unfortunately nothing further we can add at this stage.
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our events and will always take necessary action to address threats to staff – no matter who they come from.
European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
