An unprecedented scandal before the Eurovision Song Contest 2024: the bookmakers' favorite from the Netherlands may be suspended due to a violent incident
The Dutch participant of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, rapper Joost Klein, did not appear at the dress rehearsal of the grand final, which took place on the evening of May 10 at the Malmö Arena. During the test voting, which is conducted to check the system, there were 25 countries on the list, not 26, and the Netherlands was excluded from the ranking.
The reason for the confusion was an investigation into a conflict involving a Dutchman that occurred behind the scenes, the BBC reports. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, does not specify what the "incident" was. However, local media claim that Klein committed violent acts against one of the contestants. Later, it was reported that the star did not engage in a physical altercation but threatened the woman. Now he faces disqualification.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
In addition, rumors are circulating online that the organizers' decision is related to Jost's behavior during the conference after the second semifinal. The singer was sitting next to Israeli representative Eden Golan and tried to show his dislike for the contestant in every way possible: he covered himself with a flag when the singer answered questions from the press and made sarcastic comments to her.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
The day before the grand finale, the international jury was supposed to give the scores to the participating countries, but the judges made an exception for the Netherlands. Since Joost Klein did not take the stage on May 10, the experts were evaluating the Dutchman's performance in the semifinals. The performer was suspended from performing while the investigation continues.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
However, the rapper did appear for a moment at yesterday's rehearsal. The contestant took part in the flag parade along with the other participants of Eurovision 2024 and left the venue shortly afterward. It's worth noting that during the general run-through, the scenery for Klein's song Europapa was brought on stage, but it was quickly removed due to the singer's absence.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
According to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Jost is accused of violence against a female television director. "I don't know how serious it is or what happened, but the EBU is investigating it now," says a source with access to the production. Police confirmed that they are interviewing those involved.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
"We are now on the scene and talking to those involved to get an idea of what happened. There is no criminal suspicion at the moment, but that may change after we talk to witnesses," says Rikkard Lundqvist, spokesperson for the Southern Region Police.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
According to the Dutch media, a complaint was filed against Klein. The artist was questioned by the police, and the case was later handed over to a Swedish prosecutor. The incident "may take weeks to resolve".
Due to the investigation, the organizers of the contest were forced to postpone the Rest of the World voting, which was supposed to start at 1 am. The lines were to be opened for countries that are not participating in Eurovision 2024.
Rest of the World voting has been postponed indefinitely.
Dutch representative at Eurovision 2024 faces disqualification
We would like to remind you that Jost Klein is one of the Eurofans' favorites in the grand final. His performance in the second stage of the competition made the entire Malmö Arena hall dance. In addition, bookmakers predict the Dutchman to finish seventh in the ranking.
Bookmakers predict Klein to take seventh place in the final.
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