Last year’s runner-up Finland’s Kaarija, has stepped down from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The singer was meant to represent the Eurovision Song Contest’s Finnish jury in the final taking place in Sweden on Saturday (May 11). But he revealed he has stepped down from the role as announcing the points “does not feel right”.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “I have decided not to participate as the spokesperson for the Finnish jury in tonight’s Eurovision finale. Giving out the points does not feel right.”
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Radio journalist Toni Laaksonen has stepped in as Finland’s jury spokesperson at the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Finnish broadcaster YLE said.
(Image: Borja Sanchez Trillo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
The bow out comes after Kaarija’s pleaded for a social media video featuring him and Eden Golan to be scrapped. Eden secured her spot in the final on Thursday at Sweden’s Malmo Arena.
Meanwhile, Eurovision is copping a lot of flak for Israel’s participation amid pro-Palestinian protests in Malmo. Kaarija was seen getting his groove on with Eden in the contentious clip.
(Image: Andy Von Pip/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
After the video hit the internet without his nod, he took to Instagram on Thursday, saying: “I happened to meet Israel’s Eurovision representative today, and a video was filmed of us.
“It was then posted on social media without my permission. Despite my requests for its removal, it has not been taken down. I would like to clarify and emphasise that the video is not a political statement or an endorsement of any kind.”
(Image: Andy Von Pip/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)
This comes amid a wave of calls for artists to snub Eurovision 2024 due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. In other news, Bambie Thug has claimed they lodged “multiple complaints” with Eurovision Song Contest organisers over an Israeli broadcaster’s commentator following their absence from Saturday’s rehearsals ahead of the grand finale.
They revealed in an Instagram story: “I have raised multiple complaints to the EBU regarding instances I have experienced this week. Earlier today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that KAN’s commentator had broken the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.”
“I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break. I have since seen a statement by EBU director general Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation. I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU.”
Israel’s Eurovision Song Contest team later responded to Ireland’s Bambie Thug’s allegations about a member of their commentary crew. When quizzed about Bambie’s Instagram post, a spokesperson for the Israeli broadcaster Kan told the PA news agency: “We wish everyone the best of luck tonight.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
