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11th May 2024
12:30pm BST
The Netherlands' entrant for Eurovision has been kicked out of the contest following an "incident" on Thursday night.
Joost Klein, who was due to represent the Netherlands in Saturday night's grand final, is alleged to have made verbal threats to a female production worker at the event's venue in Malmo in Sweden, Sky News reports.
In a statement, Eurovision organisers said: "The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
"Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
"While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest."
Statement on Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.https://t.co/EKagHwQKCZ
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 11, 2024
It added: "We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
"We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the contest.
"In light of this, Joost Klein's behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules."
In response the news, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros issued a statement on Instagram reading: "We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU.
"Avrotros finds the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision. We deeply regret this and will come back to this later."
The final will go ahead with 25 entrants tonight, instead of the initially planned 26.
Image via Avrotros/Instagram
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