Joost Klein Speaks on ‘Terrible’ Eurovision Exclusion After Case Dropped

Eurovision Song Contest participant Joost Klein expressed his distress over being expelled from the competition after Swedish prosecutors dismissed the criminal case against him.

The Netherlands’ 2024 entrant, 26, faced allegations of threatening behavior towards a female production crew member during the semi-final night in May. This led to his disqualification by the organizers on the final day.

On Monday, the Swedish Prosecution Authority announced the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged unlawful threats.

Klein, known for his vibrant and eccentric performance of “Europapa,” shared his feelings on Instagram. “The last couple of months were terrible. Even though I love to perform anywhere around the world, something didn’t feel right,” he wrote. “Why did we have to wait so long for an answer? Everyday I felt insecure whilst I knew the truth. There is no case against me, because there never was a case. We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should all come together.”

The Associated Press reported that investigators noted Klein made “a movement that hit the woman’s film camera,” adding that the incident’s sequence was swift and witnesses perceived it differently. Senior prosecutor Fredrik Jonsson said, “I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had any such intention.”

Klein further remarked that “companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield,” comparing himself to “a village against the city.” He also had an altercation with Israeli contestant Eden Golan during a Eurovision press conference post-semi-final.

Klein cheekily captioned his profile, “Eurovision 2025.”

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros had previously labeled Klein’s disqualification as “under consideration.” On Monday, Avrotros reiterated their stance: “From the beginning, we have said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate and so it now appears to be. We are still deeply disappointed that the Europa adventure of Joost Klein and of the entire Netherlands was brutally ended in this way.”

The broadcaster announced plans to meet with the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) management promptly to address this “unjust disqualification.” They also intend to discuss other concerns raised with the EBU, which have so far remained unanswered.

Avrotros emphasized, “Our approach is and remains that the song contest is about artists and their musical message. The ball is now in the EBU’s court.”

In response, the EBU stated, “The decision to disqualify Mr Klein from this year’s event was made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation.”

They continued, “In parallel, Swedish police decided to open a formal investigation into the conduct of Mr Klein during the second semi-final, which we understand was closed today without further action. This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached ESC rules and procedures. This new development therefore does not have any impact on our decision which we stand by completely.”

The EBU addressed the broader issue by saying, “Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behavior and will always respond to any workplace issues that are reported to us.”

The EBU has faced criticism from participants over various issues, including Israel’s participation amid the war with Hamas in Gaza. The contest is currently under review by an independent expert.

Eurovision 2025 is scheduled to take place in Switzerland, following the victory of the country’s singer Nemo with the operatic hit “The Code.” The BBC has confirmed the UK’s participation next year, though the entrant has not yet been revealed.

Source: Associated Press