Bambie Thug misses dress rehearsal following situation requiring 'urgent attention'
Bambie thug speaking with media ahead of the Eurovision song Contest Final in Malmo, Sweden. Picture: Andres Poveda
Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug said they have missed their dress rehearsal following a “situation” which 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 to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.
“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me"
However, the Cork-performer assured fans they would still perform tonight, saying: “I hope to see you on the stage tonight.”
Contestants Nemo from Switzerland and Marina Satti from Greece were also noticeably absent from Saturday afternoon's dress rehearsal.
Earlier today, the EBU confirmed that Dutch act Joost Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest grand final.
The decision followed news that the Swedish police were investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the singer.
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) 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".
The official page of the Netherlands’ Songfestival, which sends acts to Eurovision Song Contest, said the incident which led to Dutch act Joost Klein being disqualified followed the performer being filmed when he had “repeatedly indicated” that he did not want to be.
“An incident occurred after last Thursday’s performance. Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected,” the statement said.
“This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camera woman.
“This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and police.
“Yesterday and today we consulted extensively with the EBU and proposed several solutions. Nevertheless, the EBU has still decided to disqualify Joost Klein.”
The statement from the Netherlands’ Songfestival said Dutch radio and television broadcaster AVROTROS found Joost Klein’s disqualification “disproportionate”.
“AVROTROS finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate.
“We stand for good manners – let there be no misunderstanding about that – but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident.
“We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight.
“What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe shouldn’t have ended this way.”
