Eurovision’s banned Netherlands star Joost Klein breaks silence as he’s investigated by police
EUROVISION’s Netherlands star Joost Klein has broken his social media silence after being banned from the contest and investigated by Swedish police.
The Dutch artist was disqualified from this year’s competition at the Malmo Arena in Sweden on Saturday after a backstage incident.
![Joost Klein, representing the Netherlands with the song “Europapa”, attends a press conference with the entries that advanced to the final after the second semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at Malmo Arena, in Malmo, Sweden, May 9, 2024. TT News Agency/Jessica Gow via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE […]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/crop-27871440.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
During one of the most chaotic and political Eurovisions ever, Klein took to Instagram and posted a video of dogs dancing to Baha Men’s song Who Let The Dogs Out.
Klein, 26, shared the montage clip to his 1.3million followers, after it was revealed Swedish cops are investigating an allegation of intimidation made by a female member of Eurovision’s production crew.
The Netherlands Songfestival has now defended Klein and said he “repeatedly indicated” he did not want to be filmed and that he “did not touch the camera woman”.
Last night’s competition was won by Switzerland with singer Nemo’s operatic and athletic performance stunning viewers.
Nemo suffered an embarrassing fail seconds after winning the singing show.
The performer, who triumphed with operatic track The Code, claimed the prize but then switfly dropped the glass trophy on stage.
The hefty glass statue slammed onto the hard stage floor. The BBC’s Graham Norton could be heard saying moments earlie: “Don’t break the trophy!”
The UK’s Olly Alexander came a disappointing 18th and was awarded a humiliating “null points” by the jury.
Viewers were also left begging one act to put their clothes on after they appeared naked on stage.
Thrown out
Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein was thrown out of the competition yesterday after “multiple complaints”.
A statement from Eurovision shared on Saturday said: “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.”
The statement added: “In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
“The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.”
A Malmo Police spokeswoman did not name Joost but confirmed an investigation into a man’s alleged violent threats at the Malmo Arena has been passed to the Public Prosecutions Office.
He also faced a backlash for his treatment of Israeli entry Eden Golan and was at the heart of “bullying” claims.
Klein told Israeli performer Eden Golan, 20, that she should respond to a question about jeopardising the safety of other competitors during a press conference on Thursday.
A journalist had asked her: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?”
The singer replied that she was “very excited to go on stage again, and share my love with everyone”, adding she was “overwhelmed with emotions”.
Israel’s involvement in the competition was met with fierce criticism due to the country’s ongoing war against Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.