No Prosecution for the Eurovision Incident
Dutch artist Joost Klein, who was kicked out of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, will not be prosecuted for the backstage altercation that caused his departure. Authorities have said they cannot show Klein had any menacing intention during the conflict with a camera operator.
Following claims of “threatening” conduct from a female camera operator, Klein was barred from the grand final in Malmö on May 11, just hours before the game. But since then, the prosecution power has decided that insufficient data supports these allegations.
The inquiry showed that Klein moved toward the woman’s film camera, but the witness saw the events quickly and differently. The lawsuit was closed as it was impossible to establish the act, which may generate significant anxiety.
Management's Relief and Klein's Response
After the matter closed, Klein’s management expressed their gladness and relief. “The last few months have been terribly tough,” they stated. “At last, we can say it aloud: there was never a case for this.”
Klein celebrated on social media more lightheartedly. He posted a selection of joyful dog videos on his Instagram story and changed his biography to reflect “Eurovision 2025.” Klein still sees prospects bright despite the setback.
Disqualification Sparks Controversy
With his techno song, “Europapa,” honoring his late father, Klein had been a formidable competitor in the 2024 Eurovision contest. The song was a memorial to his father, who died of cancer while Klein was just twelve years old. Klein had promised to represent his father honorably at Eurovision. But his preparations fell apart when he missed dress rehearsals the day before the big final.
Managing Klein’s Eurovision participation, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros called the exclusion “disproportionate.” The broadcaster said Klein’s repeated pleas not to be on camera and that he was caught right after leaving the stage “against made agreements.” Avrotros declared intentions to raise their complaints with Eurovision organizers, the EBU. “From the start, we have said—as it now seems—that this disqualification was excessive and unfair. The broadcaster said, “We are still quite aware that the Europa adventure of Joost Klein and the entire Netherlands was brutally ended in this manner.”
EBU's Defense and Ongoing Controversies
Oversaw Eurovision, the EBU justified its decision to expel Klein by pointing out “inappropriate behavior.” The EBU said, “Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behavior and will always respond to any workplace issues reported to us.” Emphasizing that their internal investigation was unrelated to the police probe, the company said, “This new development, therefore does not have any impact on our decision, which we stand by completely.”
The disqualification of Klein was not the only issue raised at this year’s tournament. Given the continuous Israel-Gaza conflict, Israel’s involvement drew strong criticism that resulted in multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside Malmö Arena. Backstage contestants from Italy and Ireland, including Angelina Mango and Bambie Thug, claimed a “tense” and “horrible” atmosphere. Complaints also centered on the Israeli delegation photographing other attendees without authorization.
Avrotros said their forthcoming meeting with the EBU will include “other objections about the course of events behind the scenes.” The broadcaster pointed out that although these issues had been covered in a thorough letter of protest, they remain unresolved. Avrotros said, “The ball is now in the EBU’s court.”
