Bambie Thug attends Eurovision opening after claim against Israel broadcaster

Irish entrant Bambie Thug rehearsing Doomsday Blue (EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett/PA)

Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug has attended the opening of the competition following them accusing the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break.

The singer, who uses the pronouns they/them, has previously hit out at Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, competing in the contest, and been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views before becoming the first Irish qualifier since 2018.

On Saturday evening, Bambie walked across the stage after the singer missed their final rehearsals.

In an Instagram story, they said: “I have raised multiple complaints to the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) regarding instances I have experienced this week.

“Earlier today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that KAN’s commentator had broken the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.

“I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break. I have since seen a statement by EBU Director General Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation.

“I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU.”

Bambie Thug competed in the final on Saturday (Suzan Moore/PA)

“I hope to see you on the stage tonight.”

The organisers of Eurovision said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.

“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.

“We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the Grand Final show as planned.”

RTÉ reported that the singer called on organisers to address commentary made on Israeli television before their performance in Tuesday’s semi-final.

Bambie told the broadcaster: “I’m angry with other teams breaching their rules of the EBU, and still being allowed in.

“So there’s definitely a war drum sounding in my heart to push the performance even more than I have done before.”

When asked about Bambie’s post on Instagram, a spokesperson for the Israeli broadcaster Kan told the PA news agency: “We wish everyone the best of luck tonight.”

Earlier, Bambie said they missed their dress rehearsal following a “situation” which required “urgent attention” from the EBU.

Dutch act Joost Klein disqualified

It comes as the EBU on Saturday 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.

Joost Klein. Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner

“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.”