Dutch media reports have revealed that Joost Klein, the Netherlands’ Eurovision entrant, has been questioned by police in Sweden over allegations of making “unlawful threats” to a member of staff at the Eurovision event in Malmo. Klein, 26, reportedly missed his performance slot in the penultimate dress rehearsal on Friday and was excluded from participating in the subsequent dry-runs on Saturday.
According to Swedish police, a man was questioned in connection with alleged threats made against a Eurovision employee on Thursday evening. The complainant was reported to be a female TV worker.
In a statement, Swedish authorities stated, “The investigation has been completed by the police. The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”
The controversy surrounding Klein’s involvement has led to the postponement of the final voting until a final decision is made regarding the Dutch entry, as confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the competition’s organisers.
Klein was scheduled to perform his track “Europapa” in fifth place during the competition. However, he failed to appear on stage for his performance, prompting speculation and confusion among fans and attendees.
The incident has further intensified the ongoing protests against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision contest, with thousands taking to the streets of Malmo to call for the country’s exclusion. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those protesting, accusing Israel of attempting to “artwash” Eurovision amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Klein’s behaviour during a press conference on Thursday also attracted attention, as he covered his head while another contestant, Eden Golan of Israel, was speaking to reporters, and interjected with a disruptive remark.
The EBU has yet to provide further details regarding the incident and its impact on the competition. Meanwhile, the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, responsible for selecting Klein as the Netherlands‘ representative, is also being consulted by the organisers.
As the investigation unfolds, the fate of the Dutch entry hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over the Eurovision Song Contest’s final proceedings.
