The Netherlands' Eurovision act Joost Klein was pulled from the contest after there was a physical confrontation between him and a photographer, it has been claimed.
Swedish TV network SVT has reported that the "incident", which the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) referred to in a statement earlier today while explaining the reason Klein was not in rehearsals, involved a "physical confrontation between the artist and a photographer".
Today, the EBU confirmed that Klein would not be rehearsing as planned in Malmo, Sweden while they were conducting an investigation. They 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."
The EBU has not yet confirmed what the "incident" is pertaining to. The Mirror has reached out to Eurovision for comment and clarity on the situation.
Klein had been part of the flag parade at the start of the rehearsal, walking around the stage in full costume, but did not come out on stage for his scheduled performance around 30 minutes later. During a press conference on Thursday, Klein told Israel's Eden Golan she should answer a question on whether she is comprising the safety of other Eurovision contestants by taking part.
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A journalist from Polish radio outlet Newsletter asked Golan: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?” When Golan was told by the moderator, Swedish presenter Jovan Radomir, that she did not have to answer the question, Klein chimed in, saying: “Why not?”
Golan replied: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here (if not).”
Earlier in the conference, when Klein was asked if his song can unite people by music, he replied: "I think that’s a good question for the EBU.” It has been reported by local media that he faced censure following another issue on Thursday.
It comes as journalists at the media centre in Malmo referred to palpable "tension" backstage, with one writing: "You could cut the tension in the press centre with a knife like now. Everyone is on edge waiting for news. We have no indication of when there will be more information." They added: "The clock is ticking here. The doors for this evening’s show open in *one hour*. If action is taken when fans are already in the arena it will be chaos. Time is up."
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