Eurovision's Dutch act issued three-word cryptic post days before being banned

10 May 2024 , 21:26

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Joost Klein shared cryptic message just two days before being pulled from rehearsals

Dutch Eurovision Song Contest act Joost Klein shared a cryptic message just two days before he was banned from rehearsals.

The singer was pulled from rehearsing "until further notice" after an incident on Friday. He did not perform and was only seen during the flag parade. The European Broadcasting Union 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.”

Swedish TV network SVT has since reported that the "incident" on Friday involved a "physical confrontation between the artist and a photographer". It comes after Joost challenged Israel's act Eden Golan about her participation in the contest during Thursday's press conference. A journalist had questioned Eden: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?” Her moderator told her she didn't have to answer the question and Joost added: "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).” Just two days before the drama unfolded, Joost issued a cryptic message on social media.

Joost was pulled from rehearsals after an incident (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

He wrote on Instagram : "Trust the process..." Joost added a photo that claimed bookmakers don't want him to succeed in the competition as he insisted he isn't a "joke entry". This year's competition has got off to a chaotic start ahead of the final on Saturday night in Malmo, Sweden.

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During the dress rehearsal on Friday night, the audience filled the stadium with boos. The show, which is used as a jury performance, saw fans erupt into boos when it was announced Joost wouldn't be taking to the stage. A spokesperson appeared on stage to announce: "The Dutch artist will not perform live on stage tonight." The EBU has confirmed Joost Klein will be judged by the jurys on his semi-final performance.

Earlier in the day a Spanish journalist and activist Juan Mafdez shared a video on social media and admitted he "never felt so unsafe" at Eurovision in his 11 years of experience covering the event. He claimed he felt intimidated by Israeli journalists and Eurovision's Spanish delegation released an official statement that read: "The Spanish delegation from @eurovision_tve has conveyed to @EBU_HQ its commitment to freedom of the press and opinion and has demanded that @Eurovision ensure its respect."

Journalists had also been waiting for a special press conference with some of the finalists but it was pulled by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) just before it was due to happen. The UK's entry Olly Alexander wasn't given the chance to take part in the press conference ahead of the final. An email from the organisers read: “Please note that the big five and Sweden media conference originally scheduled for 18.30 (5.30pm BST) has been cancelled because all artists want to focus on rehearsals.” Italy, Spain, Germany and France are also in the big five.

Mia O'Hare