The EBU and AVROTROS are at odds regarding the existence of an agreement that prohibited filming Joost Klein backstage at Eurovision 2024, intensifying the dispute.
The EBU and AVROTROS clash over filming agreements, sparking a heated debate on Eurovision’s backstage dynamics. The ongoing dispute between the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has intensified following the disqualification of Joost Klein from Eurovision 2024. The controversy centers on conflicting claims about filming agreements, with both parties presenting starkly different narratives.
Incident and Investigation
Klein’s disqualification stemmed from an incident during the Second Semi-Final, where he allegedly made a “threatening movement” towards an EBU camerawoman, hitting her camera. However, the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office has since closed the investigation, unable to prove intent to threaten. Senior Prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson noted, “It’s not possible to prove that the act was likely to cause serious fear.”
Dispute Over Filming Agreements
The EBU maintains that no agreement was made to prevent filming Joost Klein backstage. In an email to Eurovision journalists, they stated, “We can however confirm that we are not aware of any agreement being in place not to film Joost Klein backstage during the Second Semi Final, and there is certainly no written request from AVROTROS regarding this matter”. However, AVROTROS strongly disagrees, asserting, “We have shown the agreements about not filming Joost (including evidence) to the EBU… but have not heard any response to this either”. This disagreement marks another flashpoint in the broader dispute over Klein’s disqualification.
Diverging Reactions
Despite the investigation’s closure, the EBU stands by its decision, emphasizing adherence to Eurovision rules and procedures. They assert that the legal outcome does not impact their internal disciplinary decision. Meanwhile, AVROTROS condemns the disqualification as “unnecessary and disproportionate,” calling for urgent talks with the EBU to address this and other grievances.
Netherlands in Eurovision 2025?
After feeling that a grave injustice has been done to them, especially after the case against the singer was closed, AVROTROS is questioning whether there is still a chance for the Netherlands to participate in Eurovision 2025?
In the months following the Netherlands’ disqualification, the country has lowered expectations regarding its participation in the upcoming Eurovision 2025. The Dutch broadcaster has clarified that the chances of participating in Eurovision 2025 are slim. However, following the closure of the investigation, it seems they are still keeping an open channel of communication with the EBU to address unresolved issues and grievances. These discussions are unlikely to significantly alter the current trend of the Netherlands withdrawing from next year’s competition. Additionally, the broadcaster is eager to meet urgently with the EBU to discuss this issue, among others, which they have outlined in a letter that remains unanswered.
At this stage, it seems that the dispute between the parties is only intensifying, and as a result, the chances of the Netherlands participating in the next Eurovision are diminishing.
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: songfestivalpodcast.nl
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.
