CONTROVERSIAL Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein has been kicked out of the competition tonight as police investigate an “incident” reported by a member of the production crew.
With just hours to go, the star was banned from the competition in Malmo, Sweden, following numerous complaints and claims of bullying.
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Dutch actor Joost Klein has been banned from Eurovision tonight
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Joost has sparked multiple complaints and police are investigating an incident involving a female member of the production crewCredit: Splash
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He was supposed to perform a pro-EU song with the Union flag
The flamboyant performer has now been told he will not be performing alongside acts from 25 other countries in tonight’s final.
A Eurovision statement shared hours before the contest said: “Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police investigated a complaint from a member of the production crew following an incident following his performance in the semi-final on Thursday night.
“While the legal process runs its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue competing.
“We would like to clarify that, contrary to some media reports and speculation on social media, no other performers or members of the delegation were involved in this incident.
“We maintain a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe working environment for all competition staff.
“In light of this, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is considered a breach of competition rules.
“The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will continue with 25 songs.”
It is understood Joost was not arrested but was questioned by officials at the arena for more than 30 minutes last night.
A Malmo police spokeswoman did not name Joost, but confirmed that the investigation into the man’s alleged violent threats at the Malmo Arena had been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
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Prosecutors take over criminal investigations in Sweden if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that someone has committed a crime.
That means charges could take weeks while officials decide whether to charge him with a misdemeanor.
The police spokeswoman added: “There is a prosecutor we have identified.
“She is not one of the artists in the competition, but an employee of Eurovision.
“We cannot confirm further details.”
Dutch appeal
The organizer’s Dutch TV station sent a protest, calling Joost’s disqualification “disproportionate”.
A spokesman for Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros said: “We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU.
“Avrotros believes that the disqualification is disproportionate and is shocked by the decision.
“We deeply regret this and will come back to this later.”
Bullying storm
It came after Swedish TV network STV reported that Klein had allegedly pushed a photographer, although this has not been confirmed.
The former YouTuber is already a star in the Netherlands and was supposed to perform the Europap song with the EU flag.
He is mainly a hip hop artist who raps and samples electronic music.
It was first reported that Klein had been “withdrawn” from rehearsals on Friday after an “incident” was reported to Eurovision organizers.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “We are currently investigating an incident reported to us involving a Dutch artist.
“He will not be in rehearsals until further notice.
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
He has also faced a backlash over his stance on Israel’s entry into the Eden Golan and has been at the center of claims of “violence”.
Klein told Israeli performer Eden Golan, 20, that she should answer a question about endangering the safety of other contestants during a press conference on Thursday.
The journalist asked her: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger to other participants and the public?”
The singer replied that she was “very excited to get back on stage and share my love with everyone,” adding that she was “overwhelmed with emotion.”
Israel’s inclusion in the competition has come under heavy criticism due to the country’s ongoing war against Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, rejected calls to exclude Israel.
The competition is presented as a non-political event and may disqualify countries that violate these neutrality rules.
But security is on high alert in Malmö after nine protesters were warned about their behaviour.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters flooded the streets of Malmo on Thursday, and some of the angry crowd were even caught with guns drawn by police.
Olly Alexander will represent Great Britain in the annual competition.
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Joost is also accused of harassing Israel’s entrance to the Eden GolanCredit: AP
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