Statement from Eurovision: 'Israel-Palestine conflict reflected in the contest'
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, stated in a press release following complaints from contestants about the negative atmosphere backstage that 'some delegations did not respect the rules and the spirit of the contest.' It was also stated that 'the Israel-Palestine conflict was reflected in the contest.'
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Some contestants participating in Eurovision had complained about the negative atmosphere backstage and made statements to the press regarding this issue.
The EBU sent a press release to three British media outlets yesterday regarding the matter, which included the following statements:
“We regret that some delegations at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö did not respect the rules and the spirit of the contest, both on-site and during the broadcast.
We have spoken with a number of delegations regarding various issues that were brought to our attention during the event. The EBU's governing bodies, together with the heads of delegations, will review the events surrounding the ESC in Malmö to move forward in a positive way and ensure that the values of the event are respected by everyone.
Individual cases will be discussed by the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, which is the event's governing body and consists of representatives of the participating broadcasters, at its next meeting.”
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT REFLECTED IN THE CONTEST
Israel's participation in the contest had been the target of criticism due to the attacks on Gaza, and pro-Palestinian protest marches had been held in Malmö prior to the contest.
The artist representing Israel, Eden Golan, was booed in protest during the contest but was also applauded in support.
The contestant representing Ireland, Bambie Thug, had openly supported Palestine and worn a Palestinian keffiyeh during press statements.
Joost Klein, who represented the Netherlands, was reported to the police following an incident with a woman from the production team and was disqualified from the contest by the EBU.