The statement previously released by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding the disqualification of Joost Klein during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest has been further expanded today. Despite Joost Klein’s growing popularity worldwide, the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest continues to support their decision.
‘Joost Klein’s behavior was against the rules’
“Joost’s behavior was a clear violation of the competition rules designed to ensure a safe working environment for staff,” the EBU said in a statement today.
Thorough internal investigation
This is not the only thing that can be read online at the EBU, the organization also writes that the decision to disqualify Klein came after a “thorough internal investigation” and that it was supported by the board and the permanent advisory body Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group . According to the EBU, it was not appropriate to have Joost participate in the final “given the circumstances and the fact that the police case will soon be handed over to the public prosecutor”.
Statements from employees
“The version of events presented in some public comments and on social media does not match the statements of employees and witnesses shared with us and with the Swedish police,” the EBU shared. Furthermore, the organization does not want to say anything about the incident itself, which they say has to do with the ongoing legal process.
Objection to disqualification
The NPO, together with AVROTROS, has objected to Joost’s disqualification. According to the broadcaster, which provides the Dutch entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, the artist had only made a “threatening movement” towards the camerawoman. The broadcaster is waiting for the outcome of the investigation and does not want to provide any further substantive response for the time being.
Prosecution after incident
Yesterday, the Swedish police reported that Joost Klein’s file has been transferred to the Swedish Public Prosecution Service. They expect that Joost will be prosecuted for the incident during the Eurovision Song Contest. The case is scheduled for June. Joost is now back in the Netherlands, where he can now quietly recover from this big nightmare.
