(CNN) — The Eurovision Song Contest was plunged into fresh turmoil on Saturday when organizers disqualified a contestant from the Netherlands hours before the grand final over a backstage incident involving a female crew member.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the annual event, which will take place this year in Malmo, Sweden, said police were investigating the incident involving singer Joost Klein and that it would not be appropriate for him to take part.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a member of the production team following an incident following their performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. “While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for it to continue in the Competition,” the EBU said.
Joost Klein, representative of the Netherlands, performing on stage during the rehearsal of the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmo, Sweden, on Wednesday. Leonhard Foeger/Reuters
CNN has reached out to Klein’s team for comment.
The incident follows controversy over Israel’s participation in the contest. Pro-Palestinian protesters have demonstrated daily in Malmo in the days leading up to the competition. The EBU said Klein’s disqualification did not involve any other artists or members of another country’s delegation.
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