- Eurovision regrets contestants not respecting spirit of rules
- EBU discusses issues raised, awaits response on complaints
- Eurovision organizers to review controversy: disqualifications, protests, and complaints
The event’s organizers will review the controversy surrounding this year’s Eurovision, which included disqualifications, pro-Palestinian protests, and complaints by Ireland’s Bambie Thug.
Although the Eurovision Song Contest organizer “regrets” that specific competitors did not adhere to the “spirit of the rules” during their participation in Sweden, the statement reads otherwise.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issued a statement on Monday stating that it had engaged in discussions with several delegations regarding “various issues that were brought to our attention” during the event.
It follows Ireland’s Bambie Thug’s statement that they lodged “multiple complaints” with the EBU before Saturday’s grand finale in the Swedish city of Malmo, where they accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of violating the rules.
The Irish performer further stated that they were awaiting a response from the EBU before accusing the Israeli broadcaster three times of “inciting violence” against them.
Bambie, whose gothic composition Doomsday Blue placed them in sixth place, had criticized the participation of Eden Golan, the representative of Israel, who secured fifth place in the competition, in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
This week, the EBU announced that its governing bodies will collaborate with delegation leaders to assess this year’s Eurovision proceedings and “ensure that the event’s values are universally respected and progress in a constructive manner.”
“Unlock your financial potential with free Webull shares in the UK.”
It was stated that the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, an event-regulating body comprised of representatives from participating broadcasters, will deliberate on specific cases at its next meeting.
In the 68th edition of the renowned annual song contest, Nemo from Switzerland emerged victorious, becoming the first non-binary performer to receive the prestigious trophy.
However, competition week was marked by controversy following the disqualification of Joost Klein, a contestant from the Netherlands, on account of an “incident” in which he allegedly threatened a female production worker with verbal language. The competition prevented Klein from participating.
This marked the inaugural disqualification of an act in Eurovision history following its progression to the grand final.
Between 10,000 and 12,000 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, gathered in the streets of Malmö over the weekend to demand Israel’s disqualification from the competition.
Several contestants, including Portugal, Lithuania, and France, cautiously introduced politics onto the stage after presenting in the final, each emphasizing the significance of peace.
