Entertainment
Eurovision bosses say they ‘regret’ performer wearing pro-Palestinian symbol-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
The singer ‘compromised the non-political nature of the event’.
The singer ‘compromised the non-political nature of the event’ (Picture: Jessica Gow/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Eurovision bosses have expressed their ‘regret’ after a performer in the opening of tonight’s semi-final was seeing wearing a pro-Palestinian symbol.
Tonight, the first semi-final of the 2024 competition took place, with artists including Bambie Thug for Ireland, Olly Alexander for the UK and Marcus & Martinus for Sweden putting on show-stopping performances.
Former Swedish contestant Eric Saade was a part of the opening act of the show, singing his song Popular, with which he reached third place in 2011.
The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh on his arm, a symbol that is commonly used to demonstrate support towards Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, despite Eurovision being described as a ‘non-political event’.
A spokespserson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement: ‘The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show.
‘All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.’
Saade was one of the performers who took part in the opening of the first Eurovision 2024 semi-final (Picture: Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock)
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Before the beginning of the event at Malmo Arena, attendees went through ‘vigorous security checks’ and were told not to bring any Palestinian flags, symbols or bags with them.
More to follow.
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 9, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The Grand Final airs on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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