In a dramatic turn of events, the Swedish prosecutor has dropped the case against Joost Klein, the Dutch Eurovision contestant, due to insufficient evidence. This decision has reignited debates over his disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest.
The investigation into the incident that led to Joost Klein‘s disqualification from Eurovision 2024 has concluded without charges. The Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that the evidence was insufficient to prove that Klein’s actions were intended to cause fear. This development has sparked a renewed outcry from Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which had long criticized the disqualification as “unnecessary and disproportionate.”
Disqualification and Investigation
Joost Klein was disqualified from Eurovision in May after allegedly making a threatening gesture towards a camerawoman backstage. The incident, which occurred in Malmö, Sweden, led to a police investigation. Despite the controversy, the investigation found no solid evidence to support claims of unlawful threats. Prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson stated, “I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had any such intention”.
EBU & AVROTROS’s Response
AVROTROS has been vocal about its disappointment, stating that the disqualification ended the Dutch Eurovision journey “in a brutal way.” The broadcaster has called for discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to address what it terms an “unjustified disqualification” and other backstage issues. AVROTROS maintains that Eurovision should focus on artists and their musical messages, and it is considering withdrawing from future contests unless changes are made.
Jean Philip De Tender, EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media said:
“The EBU aims to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest is a show for everyone and is a safe place for staff, artists, guests and fans. Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will always respond to any workplace issues that are reported to us.
The decision to disqualify Mr Klein from this year’s event was made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation.
In parallel, Swedish police decided to open a formal investigation into the conduct of Mr Klein during the Second Semi Final, which we understand was closed today without further action.
This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached ESC rules and procedures. This new development therefore does not have any impact on our decision which we stand by completely.”
The Road Ahead
The closure of the case leaves questions about the fairness of Joost Klein’s disqualification. While the EBU has yet to comment on the investigation’s outcome, the incident has undoubtedly affected the Netherlands’ relationship with Eurovision. As AVROTROS prepares for talks with the EBU, the future of Dutch participation in the contest remains uncertain.
Netherlands at Eurovision 2024
This marks the second consecutive time that the Netherlands has not competed in the grand final and the first time in the contest’s history that a participant was disqualified just hours before the grand final.
Source: Aftonbaldet
Eurovision 2024: This was the 64th participation of the Netherlands in Eurovision. The Netherlands joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won it five times over the years. The Netherlands’ most recent victory was at Eurovision 2019 with the song “Arcade” performed by singer Duncan Laurence.
