The Netherlands’ disqualified Eurovision contestant is likely to face charges, according to police.
Joost Klein – who was set to represent the Netherlands with his song ‘Europapa’ – was disqualified from the contest in Malmö, Sweden just hours before Saturday’s finale (May 11). At the time, police stated that the decision was made after he was accused of making verbal threats towards a female member of production crew.
The incident marked the first time that an act had been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final in the competition’s 68-year history and, before his disqualification, the 26-year-old singer was named as one of the favourites to win.
Now, a spokesperson for the police, Jimmy Modin, has spoken to The Guardian about the indecent and revealed that it is looking likely that Klein will face legal action.
Modin confirmed that the investigation was over, and a decision about whether or not to press charges should arrive “within the next couple of weeks”.
Emil Andersson, the police officer in charge of the case, shared a similar sentiment with Swedish broadcaster SVT. “We expect there will probably be a prosecution,” he said, also adding that an “accelerated prosecution” is likely as the altercation did not involve a more serious crime.
Further details about the nature of the alleged threats have not been publicly disclosed.
After news of his disqualification, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it was “shocked” by the decision, and stated that while Klein made a “threatening move” towards a female camera operator, he had not touched her (via The Guardian).
“Against the clearly made agreement, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the green room. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected,” Avrotros added.
Klein has not since commented publicly on the incident.
News that he had been withdrawn from the song contest came via an update by the EBU. The full statement read: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”
This year’s competition, which was ultimately won by Switzerland’s Nemo, was dogged by controversy for allowing Israel to compete amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Since the finale, it has also faced criticism from EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas, who accused the competition’s bosses of handing a “win” to “enemies of Europe” with the decision to ban EU flags.
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