Netherlands may stop taking part in Eurovision in future after its singer was disqualified for 'threatening a female production worker'
- The Eurovision Song Contest last month saw a number of controversies
- The Netherlands pulled out of voting after its contestant was disqualified
The Netherlands may stop taking part in the annual Eurovision Song Contest after its contestant was disqualified from the competition last month.
Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has put its participation 'under consideration', arguing the disqualification of Joost Klein for allegedly making verbal threats to a female production worker was 'unnecessary and disproportionate'.
In a statement, Avrotros said: 'The Eurovision Song Contest was created to connect countries and peoples through music and to encourage mutual brotherhood. This should be the starting point for the organisers and all participating countries.
'Until Avrotros is confident that structural adjustments will be made to the artists and their musical message back in the centre, we will keep participation in the song contest under consideration.'
Klein was expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest in May just hours before he was due to perform after a complaint was raised about his conduct.
Klein was expelled from Eurovision in May just hours before he was due to perform
Joost Klein performs at Freshtival in Enschede, The Netherlands on May 19, 2024
Over Taco Zimmerman, director of the Dutch TV station AVROTROS, speaks to the media in Malmo over the disqualification of Joost Klein
Many made their feelings known after Joost Klein was disqualified from the competition
The broadcaster says it 'still (believes) that the disqualification' of Klein 'was unnecessary and disproportionate' after Swedish Police Authority investigated the incident.
Local police previously said it would be heading to the local prosecutor to bring the case to court.
Avrotros said it will 'cooperate' with the EBU's review but thinks 'a broader, more in-depth, and truly independent investigation is needed to address structural problems'.
The broadcaster said it was not only referring to the events in Malmo and the EBU but also the wider role of the management, rules procedures and the appeals process in the 'event of complaints'.
It added that there is an 'increased pressure on the artists and delegations in the run-up to and during the song contest' which 'should be the subject of investigation by a recognised and independent research agency'.
The Netherlands dramatically quit Eurovision in May and refused to hand out points in protest of the axing of their contestant.
In a statement on X, the broadcaster wrote: 'Now that Avrotros is no longer part of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, we do not feel the need to hand out the points of the Dutch jury.
'In consultation with Nikkie de Jager, who would act as our spokesperson tonight, we decided not to do it.
'Just like Nikkie, we imagined this evening very differently.'
Dutch representatives had already denied claims 'he touched her', saying he instead made a 'threatening movement... towards the camera'.
Eurovision bosses said at the time that 'AVROTROS' version of events does not correspond with the statements shared with us and with police'.
'We have a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our events and our priority is to secure a safe working environment for all staff working on this year's Song Contest,' a spokesperson said at the height of the row.
More than 175,000 fans signed a petition calling for Klein to be reinstated in the contest - but its organiser has admitted defeat, writing online: 'Sadly we didn't get the EBU's attention, but we will always show love for Joost.'
Klein, 26, had been a favourite amongst the bookies with his song Europapa, which he said had been inspired by his experiences of being orphaned at a young age and praises the idea of a Europe without borders.
The national broadcaster for Israel, Kan, also had complaints about the handling of this year's contest, claiming its delegation faced 'an unprecedented display of hatred' from other countries and their entrants during the competition, when Eden Golan participated in the wake of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Kan was also criticised by contestants including Ireland's Bambie Thug, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views, and alleged that the Israeli broadcaster broke a rule and incited 'violence' against them.
Bambie also criticised the EBU's handling of its complaints.
A previous statement from the EBU said: 'The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) seeks to continuously improve its services and events.
'To further strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest, we have asked an independent expert to look at ESC 2024 in Malmo to share insights and learnings with the EBU's governing bodies to support the continuous improvement of this global event.'
Nemo placed first in the final with 'The Code', taking a whopping 591 points
Israel claimed its delegation faced 'an unprecedented display of hatred' from other countries. Pictured: Eden Golan performs in the final on May 11
Armenia's Ladaniva also impressed with 'Jako', soon after announcing tour dates in London
The contest in Malmo concluded on Saturday, May 11, with Swiss entrant Nemo winning the final with 591 points for their song The Code.
Croatia's Baby Lasagna came second with 547 points, followed by Ukraine's Alyona Alyona and Jerry Jeil with 452, France's Slimane with 445 and Israel's Eden Golan with 375.
Ireland's Bambie Thug, Italy's Angelina Mango and Armenia's Ladaniva also impressed with quirky, vibrant songs - placing sixth, seventh and eighth respectively.
Sweden's Marcus & Martinus and Portugal's Iolanda placed ninth and tenth with opposing electro-pop and Fado, showing the full breadth of this year's contest.
Olly Alexander, performing for Great Britain, finished in 18th place with 46 points.
