Ireland’s Eurovision act Bambie Thug ‘hopes’ to perform at grand final after missing rehearsal-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Bambie Thug has said the EBU is investigating an incident (Picture: Tobias Schwarz/ AFP via Getty Images)

Irish Eurovision Song Contest 2024 entry Bambie Thug has said they missed the dress rehearsal for the grand final over an incident that demanded ‘urgent attention.’

The performer, 31, said the competition’s organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), had taken ‘the matter seriously’ and was investigating.

Bambie, who is non-binary, said while they continue discussions with the EBU over the best course of action they had pulled out of the dress rehearsals at Malmo Arena, Sweden.

They added they ‘hoped’ to see their fans at the grand final tonight.

In a statement posted on their Instagram Stories, Bambie wrote: ‘Dear Coven, there was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent action from the EBU.

‘The EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in discussion about what action needs to be taken.

‘This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on stage tonight.’

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Bambie said the incident happened while they were waiting to go on stage (Picture: Instagram)

Bambie said the EBU had taken the matter ‘seriously’ (Picture: AP)

Bambie’s statement came hours after the EBU announced The Netherlands’ act Joost Klein had been axed following a backstage incident.

The EBU said Klein, 26, had been disqualified from the competition after a female production crew member made a complaint about ‘inappropriate behaviour.’

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.

Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest (Picture: Reuters)

‘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.

Metro.co.uk has contacted the EBU for comment.

The Eurovision Grand Final airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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