Dutch Musician Joost Klein Disqualified From Eurovision After Alleged ‘Intimidation’ Incident

Dutch musician Joost Klein was disqualified from the Eurovision music contest on Saturday after an alleged intimidation incident. A female production crew member reported Klein to Swedish police after Klein’s performance in the Thursday semi-final.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, released a statement. “While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest,” it said. “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 toward inappropriate behavior 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 behavior towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules.”

Dutch television company Avrotros shared Joost’s side of the story, expressing disappointment in his disqualification. Avrotros claimed Joost was filmed without consent after his performance. When his request was not honored, Joost moved toward the camera but did not touch the camera woman. 

“Avrotros finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate,” it said in a statement. “We stand for good manners—let there be no misunderstanding about that—but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportion to this incident. We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight. What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe shouldn’t have ended this way.”

On Saturday, nonbinary Swiss rapper Nemo won the Eurovision Song Contest. The coronation occurred after Irish contestant Bambie Thug called for the disqualification of Israeli singer Eden Golan. Golan’s participation in the contest drew protests and backlash from pro-Palestine activists.