Israeli television confirmed that the Eurovision organization has moved them to a room separated from the rest of the delegations. The organizers are holding an emergency meeting this afternoon due to the reactions to the disqualification of the representative of the Netherlands, Joost Klein. He was expelled for alleged threats.
Furthermore, Norwegian media indicate that four countries (United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal) considered withdrawing from the competition last night. Finally, they continue in Eurovision despite the tensions due to the harassment of the representative of Israel.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is experiencing hours of high tension before its celebration tonight. The morning has begun with expulsion of the Dutch representative, Joost Klein, who was denounced for threats.
The Netherlands will vote in the final and the vote of its jury – from last night’s rehearsal – is valid. In fact, during the final rehearsal, he connected with the YouTuber NikkieTutorials, in charge of the votes.
For its part, Israeli television, Kan, has confirmed on social networks that the European Broadcasting Union asked them to be in a different room. The participant most openly opposed to the actions of the Israeli delegation is Bambie Thug, who represents Ireland with Doomsday Blue.
In fact, during this Saturday afternoon’s rehearsal, Thug didn’t show up. Neither Satti nor the representative of Switzerland, Nemo, were in the flag parade either, although they did perform later.
On Friday, Thug wore a Palestinian keffiyeh and a watermelon, a symbol of the Palestinian people, to the press center. The Portuguese Iolanda will wear a suit made by a Palestinian brand in the flag parade.
The representative of France, Slimane, interrupted the third rehearsal to ask for unity. On Friday afternoon, the Italian Angelina Mango sang “Imagine” by John Lennon before the press. “Today, once again, I just want the music to speak,” she said.
In addition, Norway’s vote spokesperson, Alessandra Mele (who went to Eurovision in 2023), declined to appear. «Let love lead you to the truth. It’s right in front of you. Free Palestine », she said on Instagram.