Eurovision 2024 It began last night from Malmö, in Sweden, with the celebration of its first semifinal. Eleni Foureira and Chanel Terrero They starred in the spectacular start of the gala together with Eric Saadewhich in the midst of Israel’s controversial participation in the Festival, He took advantage of his performance to show his support for Palestine sporting a symbol that did not go unnoticed.
The Swedish artist, who in recent weeks has expressed his discomfort with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for allowing Israel to participate despite the genocide taking place in Gazawent on stage to perform ‘Popular’, the song with which he placed third in Eurovision 2011.
Saade tied a Palestinian scarf to his wrist, in protest against the terrible war that has so far left more than 34,000 dead in Gaza. Born and raised in Sweden, but with Palestinian roots, the singer explained a few days ago the reason why he had accepted the EBU’s invitation.
“The EBU does not allow any Palestinian symbols inside the stadium, while symbols representing any other ethnic group in the world are welcome. Their slogan ‘United by music’ (if you are not Palestinian) is already a joke. Broadcasting Israeli propaganda in prime time to the entire world, focusing on banning the Palestinian flag? Therefore, it is more crucial than ever for me to be present on that stage,” Saade expressed on social networks with a clear declaration of intent: “You can take our symbols, but you cannot eliminate my presence.”
Saade’s performance, which has not been shared by the official Eurovision channels, generated criticism from the EBU and SVT – Swedish public television – last night. “We find it sad that he uses his participation in this way”declared Ebba Adielsson, executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024: “We regret that Eric Saade has chosen to ignore the apolitical nature of the event.”
Eric Saade responds
After the controversy generated, Saade has not remained silent and has explained the origins of the scarf he wore in the semifinal: “My father gave it to me when I was little, so I would never forget where our family is from. At that time I didn’t imagine that one day it would be a ‘political symbol.'”
“From my point of view it is pure racism”says the artist in statements to the SVT: “I simply wanted to include and wear something that identified me, but the EBU seems to believe that my ethnicity is controversial. It says much more about them than about me. I’ll tell you what this year’s motto is. in Eurovision: United by music”.
