Eurovision bosses defend disqualifying The Netherlands’ contestant Joost Klein

nme.com:

Eurovision bosses have defended the recent decision to disqualify Joost Klein from the 2024 final.The 26-year-old singer was selected to represent the Netherlands with his song ‘Europapa’ for this year’s edition of the song contest, but was withdrawn from the competition just hours before Saturday’s final (May 11).The incident marked the first time in the competition’s 68-year history that an act had been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final.

Shortly before his disqualification, he was named as one of the favourites to win the 2024 edition.Limited details have been shared about the incident that led to him being kicked out of the contest, but at the time, police stated that the decision was made after he was accused of making verbal threats towards a female member of the production crew.Now, four days after the finale was held in Malmö, Sweden, bosses behind Eurovision have defended the decision to disqualify Klein, and confirmed that some rumours about his behaviour do not align with information shared by the police.“The version of events released in some public comments and on social media does not correspond with the statements shared with us and the Swedish Police by staff and witnesses,” said a spokesperson yesterday (May 14), via Music News.“Joost’s behaviour was in clear breach of contest rules which are designed to ensure there is a safe working environment for all staff and to protect the production.”They concluded: “We are not pre-judging the legal process but, given the circumstances of what occurred and the fact that the police case will shortly be handed to the prosecutor, it would not have been appropriate for Joost to participate in the grand final.”The update comes shortly after police spokesperson.