Marcus & Martinus, who represented Sweden in Eurovision 2024, have filed a complaint with the Norwegian Press Complaints Commission following a degrading comparison to Norway’s pro-Nazi Prime Minister from World War II.
After previously discussing the hostile treatment they received from Norwegian media, Norwegian twins Marcus & Martinus decided to file a complaint against the Norwegian newspaper “Dagbladet”. This action comes after a writer for the newspaper compared them to Norway’s Nazi leader from the World War II era, describing the duo’s “betrayal” of Norway by representing Sweden in the Eurovision 2024 competition.
Offensive Comparison Draws Parallels to Wartime Traitor
In a new turn of events, the duo decided to file a complaint with the Norwegian Press Complaints Commission against Dagbladet. On May 7, just before the start of Eurovision, journalist Ralf Loftstad published an opinion piece on 15 songs competing in the contest. In the article, Loftstad wrote a paragraph about Marcus & Martinus, sharing his opinion on their song “Unforgettable.”
He opened the paragraph about them with the sentence, “and now: The Qui… brothers, sorry, Marcus and Martinus”. This sentence effectively compared them to Vidkun Quisling – Norway’s Prime Minister during the pro-Nazi regime in World War II. The use of this comparison to the Nazi leader is a well-known description of betrayal in many languages, as Quisling is considered Norway’s greatest traitor, having been tried for high treason and executed by firing squad at the end of World War II.
Twins Fight Back Against Media Prejudice
The duo, who had previously expressed their opinions and feelings about the hostility of the Norwegian media, decided to take action against this offensive comparison. Their father and manager, Kjell-Erik Gunnarsen, filed the complaint with the Norwegian Press Complaints Commission, believing it to be a clear violation of the country’s journalistic ethics rules.
Marcus & Martinus discuss this incident in their upcoming autobiographical book, “Marcus & Martinus – Two Voices, One Story.” In the book, Marcus writes that his body froze like ice when he saw Loftstad’s critique of the duo. He further explains that the writer chose to compare them to the Nazi leader who betrayed Norwegians after they performed in the world’s biggest music competition.
Cultural Context and Perceived Betrayal
It’s important to note that while the duo is indeed Norwegian, they were unable to achieve their breakthrough in the adult music world in Norway. Instead, they found success in Sweden, which is why they chose to compete and represent Sweden in the last Eurovision. This action was perceived by many Norwegians as a betrayal of their homeland, hence the comparison.
Apology and Ongoing Dispute
In May, Loftstad apologized to the duo, writing: “No, I don’t think you are quislingers”. However, in the complaint filed by Gunnarsen Sr., it was stated that this does not constitute an “apology” from the newspaper and Loftstad.
Sweden in Eurovision 2024
“Unforgettable” is the name of the song performed by the duo Marcus & Martinus in the grand final of Eurovision 2024. The duo was chosen to represent Sweden at Eurovision after winning the Swedish pre-selection, Melodifestivalen. Sweden finished ninth in the final with 174 points.
Source: Sweden Herald, VG
Eurovision 2025: This will be Sweden’s 63rd participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Sweden joined the competition in 1958 and has won it seven times over the years. Sweden’s most recent victory was at Eurovision 2023 with the song “Tattoo,” performed by the singer Loreen.
