Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has issued a statement outlining events that resulted in the disqualification of the Netherlands from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
Statement
The statement refers to events on Thursday during the second semifinal.
“Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected. This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera.
“Joost did not touch the camera woman. This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU and police. Yesterday and today we consulted extensively with the EBU and proposed several solutions. Nevertheless, the EBU has still decided to disqualify Joost Klein.
AVROTROS finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate. We stand for good manners -let there be no misunderstanding about that- but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident. We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight.”
Apology rejected
Taco Zimmerman, director of the Dutch broadcaster insists the delegation suggested a public apology from Klein, but all attempts at mitigation were rejected by the EBU. The member of the Eurovision media team involved rejected any further contact with the performer and also refused to speak with anyone from the Dutch delegation. When asked this evening for his opinion on matters, Dutch Eurovision veteran broadcaster, Cornald Maas kept it short: “Fuck the EBU.”
Klein is said to be devastated.