CONTROVERSIAL Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein shared a cryptic post just two days before he was pulled from rehearsals ahead of the grand final.
The Dutchman, who performs his pro EU track Europapa backed by the Union’s flag, is currently under investigation after being involved in an “incident”.
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Swedish TV network STV reports that the singer allegedly shoved a photographer, though this hasn’t been verified.
Klein has also faced a backlash for his treatment of Israeli entry Eden Golan and is at the heart of “bullying” claims.
While his behaviour has been questionable, it can’t be argued that he doesn’t have conviction in his beliefs.
Earlier this week, he wrote on Instagram: “Trust the process…”
He also shared a picture that claimed bookmakers don’t want him to succeed and maintained he isn’t a “joke entry”.
The singer held up “missing” posters that, while referencing a comedy over-sized bird, could be considered inflammatory given the sensitive nature of the unresolved issue of unreleased Israeli hostages seized by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
Today the 26-year-old was warned he will not be rehearsing “until further notice”.
In a statement to the PA news agency, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.
“He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
In the first dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s final, Klein appeared during the flag parade – but didn’t perform his song.
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 has been 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, has dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.
The competition bills itself as a non-political event and can disqualify countries who break that neutrality rules.
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In March, they asked Israel to modify the lyrics of Golan’s song “October Rain” as it appeared to reference Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel.
Golan unveiled the amended song, now titled Hurricane, last weekend.
Since October, pro-Palestinian rallies have been a regular occurrence in Malmo, which is home to the majority of Sweden‘s population of Palestinian origin.
Metal barricades and large concrete blocks have been put up around Malmo Arena.
Organisers have banned all flags other than those of the participating countries inside the arena, as well as all banners with a political message.
Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
