Sweden Closes Probe on Joost Klein’s Expulsion Before Eurovision Final

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Sweden has decided to drop its investigation into a backstage altercation from May involving Joost Klein, the Dutch contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest, who was expelled from the competition just hours before the final.

The reasons behind Klein’s expulsion initially stemmed from an inquiry by Swedish police following a “complaint made by a female member of the production crew,” according to the event organizers.

In a fresh statement, the Swedish Prosecution Authority concluded that “the man made a movement that hit the woman’s film camera.” It noted that the incident happened quickly and was interpreted differently by various witnesses.

“I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had any such intention,” senior prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson stated.

Jönsson did not mention Klein by name. The 26-year-old singer and rapper was a favorite to win with his song “Europapa,” an energetic anthem celebrating Europe’s diversity and paying homage to his late parents.

Klein’s disqualification marked a first in Eurovision’s 68-year history. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which is among the numerous public broadcasters that support and air the contest, expressed shock at the decision at the time.

Source: AP News