Eurovision’s Dutch singer Joost Klein was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with a photographer behind-the-scenes.
Swedish TV network SVT has reported that the “incident” involved a “physical confrontation between the artist and a photographer”. The Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) referred to the altercation a statement on Friday (May 10) while explaining the reason Klein was not in rehearsals
The EBU confirmed that Klein would not be rehearsing as planned in Malmo, Sweden while they were conducting an investigation. They said at the time: “We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
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The EBU has not yet confirmed what the “incident” is pertaining to. It comes after Eurovision press conference turned tense when Klein confronted Israel’s entry Eden Golan. The Dutch performer was notably absent from Friday’s penultimate dress rehearsal in Malmo, Sweden, where he was scheduled to perform fifth, just ahead of Israel’s Golan.
(Image: Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)
Klein did participate in the flag parade commencing the rehearsal, fully costumed on stage, but did not show for his performance slated roughly 30 minutes later. The tension peaked during a press conference on Thursday when Klein suggested Golan should answer a question regarding her participation risking the safety of fellow Eurovision contestants.
An inquiry by a journalist from Polish radio station Newsletter put Golan under the spotlight, asking “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public? ” While Swedish presenter Jovan Radomir, moderating the event, told Golan she wasn’t obligated to respond, Klein intervened, challenging: “Why not? “, reports the Mirror.
(Image: AP)
Golan hit back: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here (if not).”
When Klein was quizzed earlier on whether his tune could bridge divides with its melody, he shot back: “I think that’s a good question for the EBU.” Klein reportedly got told off after another kerfuffle last Thursday.
(Image: Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
During Thursday’s semi-final, Golan had the crowd going wild while belting out Hurricane, a revamped version of his earlier track October Rain, which some reckon is a nod to the Hamas strikes on Israel in October. Israel’s been under fire with calls to give Eurovision a miss after kicking off their campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
