Entertainment
Dutch act Joost Klein kicked out of Eurovision while police investigate inappropriate behaviour complaint-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro
A member of the production crew made a complaint about Klein.
Joost Klein had been suspended from rehearsals following a backstage incident(Picture: Getty)
Dutch act Joost Klein has been axed from the Eurovision Song Contest while police investigate a complaint of inappropriate behaviour, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said.
The 26-year-old rapper and singer had been banned from two dress rehearsals as the annual singing competition’s organisers, the EBU, probed a ‘backstage incident’.
Now, it has announced that Klein has been kicked out of the Eurovision Grand Final tonight at the Malmo Arena in Sweden after a female production crew member made a complaint.
The EBU said it would ‘not be appropriate’ for Klein to continue in the competition while the legal process was ongoing.
In a statement shared with Metro.co.uk, the EBU said: ‘The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
‘Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
A female member of the production crew made a complaint about Klein (Picture: AP)
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‘While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
‘We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
‘We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
‘In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
Klein has been kicked out of the Eurovision ahead of the Grand Final (Picture: Backgrid)
‘The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.’
The EBU’s decision comes after Klein was banned from two dress rehearsals for the Grand Final as it investigated a then-unspecified incident.
Klein was seen briefly at rehearsals on Friday during the flag parade before missing the performance of his track.
He had qualified for the Grand Final during Thursday’s Semi Final after performing his track Europapa, a tribute to his late parents.
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs on BBC One and iPlayer form 8pm.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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