Eurovision contestant misses rehearsal due to ‘situation’ that required ‘urgent attention’

Ireland’s Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug said they missed the dress rehearsal following a “situation” that required “urgent attention” from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). On their Instagram story, they wrote: “Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go on stage for the flag parade rehearsal which we felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU has taken up the matter seriously and we were in a discussion about the steps to be taken.

“That means I missed my dress rehearsal – I’m really sorry for the fans who came to see me. Hope to see you on stage tonight.” A statement from the European Broadcasting Union said: “We’re just looking at it.”

The latest controversy follows the disqualification of Dutch contestant Joost Klein for alleged “inappropriate behaviour”. A statement from the European Broadcasting Union said: “Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.

“Swedish police investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production team after an incident following her performance in the semi-final on Thursday night. While the legal process runs its course, it would not be appropriate for it to continue in the Competition.

“We would like to clarify that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other interpreter or member of the delegation. We maintain a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure work environment for all Contest staff. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is considered to be in violation of the Contest rules.

“The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now continue with 25 participating songs.”

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros has said it considers Joost Klein’s disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest “disproportionate” following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a member of the contest’s staff. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the official page of the Netherlands Songfestival delegation said: “We have taken note of the disqualification by the EBU. @AVROTROS considers the disqualification disproportionate and is shocked by the decision.

“We deeply regret this and will come back to it later.” Meanwhile, Bambie was given an outside chance of winning as the underdog regularly trended on social media with the hashtag “crown the witch”, a reference to their overt use of magical practices and the original song Doomsday Blue, which has lyrics about “hexes”.

They criticized Israel competing in the contest and called for a ceasefire in the Middle East. Bambie also told reporters that they “cried” with their team following the news that Israel was in the final.

The final day of Eurovision on Saturday is expected to see a tribute to Abba as it marks 50 years since the Swedish group won with their hit song Waterloo, as well as a performance from Liverpool’s 2023 winner Loreen , who represented Sweden.