In a shocking turn of events, the Netherlands have been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The EBU, the organisers of the contest, decided to disqualify Joost Klein following an incident. After almost 24 hours of uncertainty, the EBU have now taken the decision to disqualify the Netherlands from the comptition.
Joost Klein
During the first dress rehearsal of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, the Netherlands did not perform. Attendees in the audience confirmed that the set up for the Dutch act was being prepared when all was removed from stage to make room for the next act in line. Joost Klein was present during the flag parade at the start of the show. At this stage, no one knew what the reason for Joost’s absence during the show was.
After silence for a while, the European Broadcasting Union confirmed they were investigating a reported ‘incident’ involving the Dutch artist. Speculation on social media soon arose, but the EBU decided not to comment on any of these, leaving room for more speculation. Joost Klein was also excluded from the jury show last night, with jurors instead watching the clip from the second semifinal.
Just before the family show of the contest this afternoon, the EBU confirmed the disqualification of the Dutch entry. It is the first time in Eurovision history that an act is disqualified during the show. They state:
The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.
Reaction from AVROTROS
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS disagree with the decision taken by the EBU and have released a short statement:
Soon after the news dropped, reactions from the Eurovision world flooded in, many in support of Joost Klein and the Dutch delegation. Commentator Cornald Maas took his anger to X and calld the decision ‘disproportionate and disgraceful’. He later added that the incident has nothing to do with another country or delegation and comments that the incident is a minor one. He adds that this is ‘hell’ for Joost and his team.
ESCXTRA.com will update this article when more information is revealed.
