Eurovision disqualifies Dutch act Joost Klein over incident involving female crew member

The Eurovision Song Contest disqualified Dutch participant Joost Klein due to a backstage incident involving a female crew member in Malmo, Sweden. The European Broadcasting Union stated that Klein was involved in an altercation after his semi-final performance, which Swedish police are investigating as "unlawful threats." Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS criticized the disqualification as disproportionate, claiming Klein made a "threatening movement" but did not physically touch the crew member.

The incident adds to existing tensions at Eurovision, particularly concerning the participation of Israel, which has faced protests and security concerns. The competition's atmosphere has been affected, with increased security and ongoing controversies, highlighting the challenges Eurovision faces in maintaining its apolitical stance amidst geopolitical tensions.