Netherlands disqualified from Eurovision 2024 just hours before the final

Dutch representative Joost Klein, who was set to perform in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 tonight, has been disqualified following an incident backstage related to Israel’s participation in the competition. Joost Klein, representing the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, was disqualified from the competition just hours before the final. It was announced that a woman from the production team filed a complaint to the police after the incident involving the Dutch musician, and the Swedish police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Following the development, the European Broadcasting Union decided that it would not be appropriate for Klein to participate in the competition while the legal process is ongoing. It is alleged that the incident Klein was involved in, which caused him to miss the costume rehearsal last night, was related to the Israeli delegation. However, the European Broadcasting Union stated, ‘Despite the reports in the media and speculations on social media, we want to clearly state that no other participant or delegation member has any connection to this incident.’ During the costume rehearsal, when it was announced that Klein, who was expected to perform fifth before the Israeli representative Eden Golan, would not take the stage, the audience protested by whistling. The Dutch media announced that it was a disproportionate reaction for Klein, who was among the favorites of the competition with his song ‘Europapa,’ to be disqualified due to this incident, and they expressed shock at the decision. Israeli representative had covered his face with a flag – The Dutch musician covered his face with the Dutch flag to express his displeasure at being next to the Israeli representative Golan at a press conference held after the second semi-final on Thursday night. During the press conference, a journalist asked the Israeli representative whether his participation posed a security risk for other participants, to which the moderator of the conference told the Israeli participant, ‘You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.’ Klein, interrupting his flag protest, shouted, ‘Why.’ Anti-Israel protests continue in Malmö – While Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip continue, Israel’s participation in Eurovision, accused of using the competition as a political propaganda tool, has been protested in Malmö, where the competition is being held for days. Israel, originally planned to participate in the competition with the song ‘October Rain’ in reference to Hamas’ attacks on October 7, was forced to change the song at the organizers’ request, and the song’s name was changed to ‘Hurricane.’