Joost Klein and the camerawoman answer to the decision of the Swedish police!

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With yesterday’s announcement made by the Swedish police, one of the issues that marked Eurovision 2024 negatively for many fans, has officially come to an end. Of course, we are talking about the disqualification of Joost Klein from the final of Eurovision 2024.

After the police investigations, yesterday’s announcement stated that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted for the incident at this year’s Eurovision due to a lack of evidence.

A few hours ago Joost Klein himself, spoke about the whole issue for the first time, with an Instagram post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joost Klein (@joostklein)

“The last couple of months were terrible. Even though I love to perform anywhere around the world, something didn’t feel right. Why did we have to wait so long for an answer? Everyday I felt insecure whilst I knew the truth. There is no case against me, because there never was a case.

We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should ALL come together. Companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield. A village against the city…

Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN THOUGH I LOST ALL HOPE WE BACK NOW BABY!!! ALBUM MODE!!!!!!!”

At the same time, the camerwoman spoke through her lawyer, Kristoffer Ståhl, about the decision of the police, and indicated that she is thinking of taking further legal actions, in order to be vindicated:

“My client is very saddened by the decision and is considering whether she wants to challenge the decision. She came to Malmö to do her work in a special place where music, inclusion and diversity are central. What happened to her was unexpected and very traumatic. She now has to deal with the consequences of that incident, unfortunately.” 

Lawyer Ståhl adds in his statement that there was no agreement that “the Dutch artist” would not be filmed after his appearance. “My client wants to state clearly that she did not pay more or less attention to the Dutch artist than to other candidates of the festival,” she says.

However, the woman praised the EBU for the way the organization “put the mental and physical safety of its workers first”.

We now await with great interest the reaction of the Dutch public broadcaster, and whether it will participate or not in Eurovision 2025 next May in Switzerland.

Source : Joost Klein, rtl.nl

Netherlands: “We will soon have a meeting with the EBU about the unfair exclusion of Joost Klein – Our questions remain unanswered”!

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After the Swedish public prosecutor’s announcement of the suspension of the criminal prosecution of Joost Klein regarding the incident that happened between him and a camerawoman of the production, and also the relevant announcement of the EBU on the issue, it was the turn of the Dutch public television AVROTROS to receive position. As expected, the Dutch public television declares itself justified, characterizing the exclusion of Joost Klein from the Eurovision final as unfair and unnecessary, while stating that there will soon be a meeting with the EBU on the issue, but also on all the other questions raised by remain unanswered.

Joost Klein “innocent” beyond doubt

According to what the Swedish public prosecutor’s office announced earlier, the case file was closed for lack of evidence. This means that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted further.

The Swedish public prosecutor writes that the investigation into a 26-year-old man who allegedly threatened a woman has been closed. The investigation shows that Klein made a motion that hit the camera. According to the prosecutor, the incident happened quickly and the stories of Klein and the camerawoman are conflicting. It is therefore not possible to know exactly what happened and whether there was criminally unacceptable behavior under Swedish law.

The EBU stands by its decision to expel Joost Klein

The EBU expelled Joost Klein from the final of Eurovision 2024 as you remember, immediately after the complaint of the worker in the production of the contest. Wanting to clarify its position, the EBU immediately after today’s acquittal of Joost Klein from the criminal prosecution states:

The decision to exclude Mr Klein from this year’s competition was made in accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules, following an internal investigation.

At the same time, the Swedish police decided to launch a formal investigation into Mr Klein’s behavior during the second semi-final, which we understand closed today without further action.

This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed, not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached Eurovision rules and procedures. Therefore, this new development has no impact on our decision, which we fully support.

Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General and Media Director of the EBU

Essentially, based on the above announcement, the criminal responsibilities of Joost Klein, which do not exist according to the Swedish prosecutor’s office, are separated from the violation of the competition regulations that were violated in the incident in question, a conclusion reached by the EBU after an internal investigation which he did.

AVTROTOS justified after the latest updates

The Dutch public television, which from the very beginning had proposed a different kind of punishment for Joost Klein than the ban, which they considered excessive, as you now realize, feels vindicated.

In its announcement, AVTROTROS states that they will soon have a meeting with the EBU to discuss both the unfair, as they describe, the exclusion of Joost Klein, and all the other questions they have addressed regarding what happened behind the scenes of the competition, questions for which they have not yet received answers.

From the beginning we have said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate and that is what it has now proven to be.

We are still very disappointed that the Europapa adventure of Joost Klein and the whole of the Netherlands was brutally ended in this way. The next step is that a meeting with the EBU management will take place about this matter in the short term.

This unjustified disqualification will be central to this meeting. We will also discuss all our other objections about the way things are going behind the scenes at the Song Festival, which we previously sent in an extensive letter of objection to the EBU and which have remained unanswered to date.

AVROTROS’s approach is and remains that the Song Festival is about artists and their musical message. The floor is now given to the EBU.

AVROTROS

AVROTROS will apparently await this meeting before deciding whether to participate in Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: AVROTROS

EBU: Joost Klein violated the contest rulles and was disqualified

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As expected, the EBU immediately after the announcement of the Swedish public prosecutor’s office, which due to doubts and lack of evidence closed the case file for any criminal offenses of Joost Klein regarding the incident that occurred during the previous contest, issued explanatory notice on the official website of the competition. The EBU says that the expulsion of Joost Klein from Eurovision 2024, was done because he violated the regulations of the contest and was independent of the judicial outcome of the case.

Joost Klein “innocent” beyond doubt

According to what the Swedish public prosecutor’s office announced earlier, the case file was closed for lack of evidence. This means that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted further.

The Swedish public prosecutor writes that the investigation into a 26-year-old man who allegedly threatened a woman has been closed. The investigation shows that Klein made a motion that hit the camera. According to the prosecutor, the incident happened quickly and the stories of Klein and the camerawoman are conflicting. It is therefore not possible to know exactly what happened and whether there was criminally unacceptable behavior under Swedish law.

Today the investigation is closed because it cannot be proven that this act caused real fear and that this was the man’s intention.

Fredrik Jönsson, prosecutor

 

The EBU stands by its decision to expel Joost Klein

The EBU expelled Joost Klein from the final of Eurovision 2024 as you remember, immediately after the complaint of a worker in the production of the contest. Wanting to clarify its position, the EBU immediately after today’s acquittal of Joost Klein from the criminal prosecution states:

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.

Jean Philip De Tender, Αναπληρωτής Γενικός Διευθυντής και Διευθυντής Μέσων Ενημέρωσης της EBU

Essentially, based on the above announcement, the criminal responsibilities of Joost Klein, which do not exist according to the Swedish prosecutor’s office, are separated from the violation of the competition regulations that were violated in the incident in question, a conclusion reached by the EBU after an internal investigation which he did.

We now await with interest the reaction of the Dutch public television AVROTROS and the decision it will take on its participation or not in Eurovision 2025 next May in Switzerland.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Eurovision.tv

The Netherlands: The prosecution of Joost Klein stopped due to lack of evidence!

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Joost Klein will not be prosecuted for the incident at this year’s Eurovision due to a lack of evidence.

The investigation into Joost Klein and the incident that happened at the Eurovision Song Contest has been discontinued. The Swedish public prosecutor’s office says there is a lack of evidence. This means that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted.

The Swedish public prosecutor writes that the investigation into a 26-year-old man who allegedly threatened a woman has been closed. The investigation shows that Klein made a motion that hit the camera. According to the prosecutor, the incident happened quickly, and Klein’s and the camerawoman’s stories differ. Therefore, it is not possible to know exactly what happened.

In his statement, prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson said:

“Today, the investigation closes because it cannot be proven that the act caused real fear and that this was the intention of the man”

Dutch witnesses were also heard on the case. Last month it was announced that the Dutch public prosecutor’s office had reported this to the Swedish public prosecution service.

Joost Klein was disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest last May because of the incident. The singer qualified for the final on behalf of the Netherlands with the song “Europapa”. On the day of the final, it became clear that Joost Klein was not welcome on the Eurovision stage that night. The decision angered AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster responsible for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Klein himself has yet to share his side of the story with the media following the incident. AVROTROS has expressed doubts about participating in the Eurovision Song Contest if the organizer European Broadcasting Union (EBU) does not make any changes to its policy. Several delegations complained of an unpleasant atmosphere behind the scenes at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest

https://youtu.be/IiHFnmI8pxg

Source: nu.nl

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Netherlands: AVROTROS predicts that the country’s chances of competing in Eurovision 2025 are slim!

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Regarding their participation in Eurovision 2025, The Netherlands has some news that isn’t exactly encouraging. As we previously informed you, Anouk, the well-known Dutch singer who represented the country in 2013, has openly stated that she would like to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest once more in 2025.

The Netherlands: Anouk wants to return on the Eurovision stage!

Anouk’s statement was no joke. She has a track and a proposal ready for Eurovision indeed and according to her manager, the issue with a potential Anouk’s participation are the broadcaster’s decisions. Kees de Koning claims that AVROTROS has not made a final decision about participating in Eurovision 2025.

Because of current problems with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), following the disqualification of Joost Klein, AVROTROS is unable to make that decision at this time. Before choosing a new entry, AVROTROS wants to be sure that the circumstances will be right. As a result, the broadcaster believes there is little chance the Netherlands will compete the next year in Switzerland.

In September, AVROTROS will decide whether or not to take part in the contest.

In 2024, Joost Klein represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest with his song “Europapa”. The Dutch entry was declared one of the ten finalists on the second semi-final. However, only hours before Saturday’s Grand Final, the singer’s “inappropriate behavior” led the EBU to disqualify his entry.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: rtl.nl

The Netherlands: Anouk wants to return on the Eurovision stage!

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The Dutch singer Anouk wants to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest, once again, next year. During her apperance at the North Sea Jazz last Saturday, she mentioned that she has a perfect track for the Eurovision Song Contest.

In her statement she mentioned:

“I have recorded a strong track… perfect for the Eurovision Song Contest, but there’s no committee anymore, so I don’t know who to send it to.”

The singer has already taken part in Eurovision once in 2013. With the song “Birds” she managed to bring the Netherlands back to the final after 8 consecutive years of non-qualifications.

However, the participation of the Netherlands in Eurovision 2025 still remains uncertain due to the disqualification of this year’s representative Joost Klein a few hours before the Eurovision 2024 final.

Would you like to see Anouk again on the Eurovision stage? Let us know your thought in the comments below.

Source: songfestival.be

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Netherlands: The Ducth commentator, Cornald Maas, answers to Edward af Sillen!

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Earlier yesterday, through a post in his personal account in X, Edward af Sillen, the scriptwriter for the previous three contests in Sweden (2013, 2016 & 2024), parallels the two cases of a contestant’s suspension, in Eurovision 2024 and in Euro, that of Joost Klein and the Turkish football player, Merih Demiral.

His post received both positive and negative reactions, saying that the comparison is out of place. Cornald Maas, the Dutch commentator, stated the same below Edward af Sillen’s post. In detail, he commented the following:

“Oh really? No better/more meaningful comparisons? You can try better (I hope)”

The Dutch disqualification, is a topic that concerned both fans and the EBU itself, which stated in its recent statement on everything that happened during Eurovision 2024, that the simplification of the rules and everyone keeping up with the regulations (members of delegations, artists, fans) is of crucial importance for the smooth running of the contest in the future. However, it’s only logical that the Dutch commentator is negative about the whole treatment of the subject.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Switzerland!

Edward af Sillen: What does the Turkish plalyer’s suspension in EURO remind me…?

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Through a post in his personal account in X, Edward af Sillen, the scriptwriter for the previous three contests in Sweden (2013, 2016 & 2024), parallels the two cases of a contestant’s suspension, in Eurovision 2024 and in Euro, wanting to make clear, that non-compliance with the regulations, causes punishments.

Wanting to comment on the Turkish football player’s, Merih Demiral, suspension from the two following games, he made the following post:

In Türkiye’s last game against Austria in the phase of 16, Merih Demiral, celebrated their win by making the sign of the Gray Wolves, a far-right fascist organisation. The punishment from UEFA, was immediate. The Turkish player was suspended from the following two games, which means that he won’t lose the rest of the EURO 2024.

The case of Merih Demiral’s suspension is indirectly but clearly paralleled by Edward af Sillen with that of Joost Klein’s disqualification from the Eurovision 2024 final, after his violation of EBU regulations. We remind you that Joost Klein was excluded from the final of the Contest after the complaints, by a production worker, for violence against her.

The EBU stated in its recent statement on everything that happened during Eurovision 2024, that the simplification of the rules and everyone keeping up with the regulations (members of delegations, artists, fans) is of crucial importance for the smooth running of the contest in the future.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Switzerland!

EBU: The new updated rules do not change anything with the participation of Israel

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Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the EBU, spoke on Swedish Public Radio about all the changes to the Eurovision Song Contest and the conclusion of the independent investigation carried out by the EBU after the end of this year’s Eurovision and everything that happened in Malmö. De Tender made it clear that nothing changes with Israel’s participation in 2025 as well.

Simplification of regulations

Speaking to Carolina Norén on Swedish radio station P4, Jean Philip De Tender explained several details following the independent expert investigation carried out after the 2024 competition.

He explained that Martin Österdahl will remain as executive supervisor, but some of his responsibilities will be transferred to the new Eurovision director.

De Tender also clarified that the EBU wants to simplify the rules on contracts so that everyone involved understands what they are signing up for. He cited the example that 70 years ago the regulations were all one page and now we are talking about hundreds of pages.

Israel will take part in Eurovision 2025

Regarding the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in this year’s contest, De Tender said that as a member of the EBU, KAN, Israel’s public broadcaster, is eligible to participate. He stated that the Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political event and that the decision to allow Israel to participate is in line with other non-political organizations such as sports federations. However, he added that he believes the EBU needs to clarify its decision-making better:

“I think we need to maybe clarify the decision-making with all the stakeholders better so that people fully understand what the event stands for and what the goal is.”

The Netherlands and Joost Klein in Switzerland?

Regarding the fear of countries withdrawing from the next Eurovision, De Tender clarifies that no country has so far declared its withdrawal and that he believes that the Netherlands will also participate normally in Switzerland.

In the possibility of Joost Klein’s return to the competition, he simply states that this is a matter of the Dutch public broadcaster and since his participation is not contrary to any regulation, he does not see the reason why the artist could be excluded from Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: sverigesradio

Netherlands: Waiting on EBU action before deciding whether to enter Eurovision 2025

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Eurovision 2024 will go down in history as possibly the most controversial in the contest’s history. The Dutch entry’s disqualification the day before the grand final was one of the incidents that captured the attention of both the media and the fans. The EBU provided justification for this decision by stating that Joost Klein, the country’s representative, had used violence towards a member of the production team, however it did not clarify if this was verbal or physical abuse.

The Dutch public broadcaster, Avrotros, expressed its disappointment and with the EBU’s decision, calling it “disproportionate to the circumstances”.

There were a lot of controversial incidents during this year’s competition; the one mentioned above was just one of them. In this regard, the EBU has declared that it would modify the competition’s rules in order to ensure its seamless operation and prevent a recurrence of this year’s events. You can read our related article for further information about these modifications.

As a result, based on information from Dutch media AD, the country’s public television will examine the impending changes and determine whether or not the Netherlands will participate in the upcoming competition.

According to broadcaster’s spokesperson, it is a positive step that an investigation is being carried out. He emphasised, though, that these words needed to be turned into actions, that is, significant and meaningful adjustments that might guarantee both the competitors’ psychological well-being and the competition’s seamless operation.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the world’s biggest music competition!

Source: AD.nl