Netherlands: Joost Klein had a previous confrontation with the camerawoman

/0 Comments/in , /by

The camerawoman to whom Joost Klein made a threatening gesture is said to have had an earlier altercation with the Dutch representative during the week of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is reported by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet based on the reports of the police interrogations of Klein and the woman, after the incident that cost Joost Klein his place in the Eurovision 2024 final. Aftonbladet published parts of the police reports and thus more details are revealed.

The previous incident reported by the woman allegedly took place when Klein was returning backstage. The singer had asked the woman to stop filming, which she did not do “because she had signed a document agreeing to the filming. I was just doing my job,” he said. According to the woman, the Dutch team apologized after this incident and promised that Klein “wouldn’t react this way again” during the festival.

When Klein made a threatening gesture towards her during the second incident, the woman did not react at first “because I thought Joost was joking”. Klein “became angrier. I felt scared and vulnerable,” the woman reportedly said during her first police interview the night before the final of the Song Contest.

The police informed the singer that the woman was demanding compensation of 7,000 kroner, over 600 euros. According to Aftonbladet, Klein told police interrogations that he had “vague memories of the event”. The singer in that questioning claimed that he made the threatening gesture towards the woman’s camera and not towards the woman herself. According to Aftonbladet, Klein also said at the first interrogation that he was innocent of the crime he was suspected of. “I don’t recognize myself in the incident,” Klein reportedly said.

Aftonbladet did not publish the full police report. Many passages have been blacked out.

AVROTROS and his manager Klein say the singer was “really harassed many times” during the Eurovision Song Contest, but would not comment on whether the Dutch team apologized to the woman after the first incident. The cameraman’s lawyer did not respond to the report.

The Swedish prosecutor’s office dropped the case against Klein in early August because there was not enough evidence to prove that Klein made his “threatening act” with the intention of causing “serious fear” to the camerawoman.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source:nltimes

Netherlands: In spite of recent communication between AVROTROS and the EBU, participation in Eurovision 2025 is still up in the air

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In a recent article on Basel’s selection as the host city for Eurovision 2025, Dutch public television asserts that the country’s participation in the competition is still up in the air, while confirming that during the previous two weeks, discussions regarding all matters of mutual concern have been held with the EBU.

The Netherlands was disqualified from the competition this year as a result of a complaint that a production worker had filed. When she attempted to take a picture of him, Joost Klein allegedly threatened her, based on what was reported by the media. In the end, the Swedish prosecutor decided to archive the case because of uncertainties and insufficient evidence.

Since then, Dutch public television has not confirmed its participation in the next contest, citing matters that require discussion with the EBU. Although it appears that the discussion has taken place, Dutch public television has not yet stated whether or not it participate in Basel in May of the following year.

The Netherlands’ participation in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is still up in the air. Artists are usually required to submit their entries to AVROTROS, the broadcaster in charge of the Netherlands’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest, before the end of July. Nevertheless, because Joost Klein was disqualified from the previous edition, the submissions are still closed this year.

Following the events of this years Eurovision Song Contest, AVROTROS wishes to alter a number of the competition’s rules. In this regard, the broadcaster previously submitted a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest. AVROTROS and the EBU have talked as well in the past two weeks, but the Dutch broadcaster will not yet be in a position to provide a firm response on their participation in the event next year.

If the Netherlands does not participate next year, it will be only the fifth time in the 68-year history of the contest.

Dutch Public Television

By 15 September, public broadcasters  have a deadline to confirm their membership to the EBU. After then, they  have a window of time during which they can cancel their participation without incurring any fees. Subsequently, the list of participating countries is announced by the EBU, and withdrawals are now subject to a nominal punishment.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2025 developments!

Source: NOS

Joost Klein: “There is no time to deal with filing a lawsuit against the EBU”

/0 Comments/in , /by

Joost Klein does not intend to take legal action against the EBU, despite initial information to the contrary, the artist’s manager announced. There is no time and space to deal with something like this, was the relevant announcement of the representative of the Dutch artist.

Joost Klein immediately after the Swedish prosecutor’s office dropped his criminal prosecution, due to doubts and insufficient evidence, he had stated through his lawyer that he was considering filing a lawsuit against the EBU.

Joost is the right person to file a police report. Joost’s manager called me and we will think about it.

Gerard Spong, lawyer of Joost Klein

This statement came immediately after the publication of the decision of the Dutch public television – AVROTROS, not to pursue the case in court, but to resolve any pending issues with the EBU through dialogue.

Today, the artist’s manager states that he will not take any other legal action himself, since he has neither the time nor the space to deal with such a thing.

I sent Gerard Spong a quick email thanking him for his interesting take, but to be quite honest, we don’t really have the time or space to work on it right now.

Rick Bakker, manager of Joost Klein

AVROTROS has stated that it will soon meet with the EBU to discuss everything that happened behind the scenes of this year’s competition. So far it has not been clarified whether the country will participate in Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: rtl

The Netherlands: Joost Klein is thinking of suing the EBU!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Joost Klein is considering filing a defamation lawsuit against Eurovision organizer the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The singer’s manager has already contacted the lawyer Gerard Spong.

The news comes a day after AvroTros had indicated that it did not want to press charges.  The lawyer wrote that it is “absolutely a defamatory allegation” that the EBU, despite the fact that according to the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office there is no or insufficient evidence, continues to insist that Joost Klein “would have committed an act worthy of disqualification”.

The fact that AvroTros doesn’t want to create an issue is a sign of weakness according to Spong.

“They must have their reasons for it. They may also have to continue with the EBU next year, so maybe they think: we shouldn’t have any. I think it’s weak.”

“Joost is the right person to file a police report. I’ve been called by Joost’s manager and we’re going to think about it.”

Source: De Telegraaf

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

Follow us on all our social media, so that you’ll not lose a thing of what’s happening Eurovision:

Netherlands: AVROTROS has decided not to pursue legal action in response to Joost Klein’s disqualification

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Following the dismissal of the accusations against Joost Klein, the Dutch representative for this year’s Eurovision, there has been a backlash in the country, with calls mounting to take the EBU to court. In this context, lawyer Gerard Spong argued that AVROTROS – the country’s public broadcaster – should file a defamation complaint against the EBU. However, AVROTROS does not plan to take such action, according to formal statements made by broadcaster executives to the ANP news agency.

The Dutch entry was disqualified from this year’s competition just hours before the grand final. According to the EBU the Dutch representative used abusive language against a member of the contest production crew.

More specifically, the Dutch broadcaster states that its purpose is not to obtain financial compensation but to contribute to improving the conduct of the competition.

We can’t undo what’s been done. Nor are we seeking to get richer through it. We want to make things better not only for the Netherlands but also for other countries.

At the same time, the representatives of AVROTROS mentioned, once again, that the country’s participation in the upcoming competition depends on the future decisions of the EBU on this issue. They stressed, however, that the broadcaster’s intention is to compete in Switzerland next May.

We’ve been clear from the beginning that things really have to change for us to be there next year. It depends on future EBU decisions.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding our favourite music competition!

Source: RTL

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

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

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”!

/1 Comment/in , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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!

Follow us on all our social media, so that you’ll not lose a thing of what’s happening Eurovision:

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

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

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