Dutch Eurovision Entry Expelled Hours Before Final

NBC News reports:

A Dutch public broadcaster reacted angrily after the Netherlands’ contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from the competition hours before Saturday’s final over a backstage incident that is being investigated by police.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, said Swedish police were investigating “a complaint made by a female member of the production crew” about Joost Klein, and it would not be appropriate for him to participate while the legal process was underway.

Klein had failed to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday in the Swedish city of Malmo, and organizers had said they were investigating an “incident.” Such a last-minute disqualification is unprecedented in the 68-year history of Eurovision.

Read the full article. Klein had been considered to be among the favorites in today’s Eurovision final.

Statement on Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.https://t.co/EKagHwQKCZ

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 11, 2024