Police are investigating an incident that led to Dutch artist Joost Klein being expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest.
Klein was kicked out of the competition following a complaint made by a female member of the production crew, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, said in a statement.
The 68th version of the contest, normally a festival of catchy songs and tongue-in-cheek kitsch, is taking place amid protests in host city Malmö over the participation of Israel, due to its war in Gaza.
The EBU had earlier said it was investigating an incident involving Klein, 26, whose quirky song Europapa had originally made him one of the favourites ahead of Saturday’s final.
“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,” the EBU said in a statement.
“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 EBU said the final would go ahead with 25 songs instead of the 26 that made it through to the end of the contest.
Klein had been prevented from rehearsing Friday over an unspecified “incident”, and earlier on Saturday police confirmed they had begun an investigation.
“The police is investigating intimidation. The offence was committed in the Malmo arena on Thursday evening,” police spokesman Pelle Vamstad told AFP.
“The suspect, a man, was heard. He is not in detention,” Vamstad added.
The person who lodged a complaint is involved in Eurovision, police said.
Dutch broadcaster SVT suggested the incident involving Klein had been a confrontation with a photographer.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said in an emailed statement that it was “shocked” by the EBU’s decision and considered it “disproportionate”.
During rehearsals, Klein had paraded with other participants ahead of the performances but did not go on stage when it was his turn.
His song Europapa is dedicated to his parents, who died when he was young.
Bookmakers have Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, real name Marko Purišić, 28, with Rim Tim Tagi Dim, a song about a young man who leaves home aspiring to become a “city boy” with better opportunities, as front-runner to win the contest.
Israeli solo artist Eden Golan, 20, and her song Hurricane also qualified for Saturday’s final, with betting odds showing her as one of the leading contenders too.
At the end of Thursday’s semi-final, the 26-year-old had appeared to object to being placed beside Israeli contestant Eden Golan, at several points covering his face with a Dutch flag.
ABC/wires
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