Greece’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Marina Satti, expressed mixed feelings about the yawning incident and the reactions it provoked: “I regret and apologize if I hurt the people who supported and trusted me.”
Marina Satti, Greece’s representative for Eurovision 2024, gave her first television interview since the contest, where she placed 11th with the song “Zari” (translated as “Dice”). The interview aired on Greece’s MEGA TV channel, where she addressed the infamous yawning incident during the press conference after the second semi-final—a moment that went viral globally and even prompted an official response from the Greek government.
The incident occurred when Satti yawned during the press conference while Eden Golan, Israel’s representative, was speaking. Marina admitted she had not anticipated the extent of the reaction and only realized its impact the following day.
“I could have been smarter and more cautious,” the singer confessed. “At that moment, an answer was being given to a journalist’s question about security at the competition. That answer did not satisfy me. Behind the scenes, there was a strong military and security presence, and the atmosphere was very tense. I don’t know all the details, but that was the feeling.”
She clarified that the yawn was unrelated to events in Gaza or her personal opinions on the matter: “I wouldn’t have addressed the issue in that way. I don’t want my actions or words to be misinterpreted.”
When asked about her stance on the Middle East crisis, Satti offered a brief and general message: “My view is that I don’t want people to die, to be kidnapped, or for blood to be shed. Who wants children to die?” When the host questioned whether she regretted the incident, the singer expressed mixed emotions: “I can’t say if I regret it. It was a human and genuine reaction on my part. I regret and apologize if I hurt the people who supported and trusted me.”
Despite her attempt to portray herself as a victim of misunderstanding, it is hard to ignore that the singer displayed insensitivity and a lack of awareness in such a tense and delicate situation. This incident joins a series of controversies involving Satti, including contentious statements, eggs thrown at her during a performance, and public embarrassment at a Greek music awards ceremony.
The yawning incident, which could have been resolved with a simple and sincere apology, instead turned into a vague declaration and an awkward attempt to explain her actions without taking full responsibility. Rather than addressing the consequences directly, the singer chose to emphasize “backstage tensions” and hint at other issues—as if her personal lapse was the least of the problems. Perhaps instead of trying to rationalize the act, she could channel the “human honesty” she so proudly claims into a genuine display of maturity and accountability.
Greece in Eurovision 2024
“Zari” is the title of the song performed by singer Marina Satti, who was selected through an internal selection process by the Greek national broadcaster. Greece qualified for the final after placing fifth in the second semi-final with 86 points, and in the grand final, they finished in 11th place with 126 points.
Source: Eurovisionfun
Eurovision 2025: This will mark Greece’s 45th participation in Eurovision. Greece joined the competition in 1974 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2005 when singer Helena Paparizou won first place with the song “My Number One”.
