Joost Klein Cleared of Criminal Charges, but EBU Stands Firm on Eurovision Disqualification»

In a turn of events that has captivated both fans and critics of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Swedish public prosecutor’s office has officially closed its investigation into Joost Klein, the Dutch artist who was disqualified from the 2024 competition. The case was dropped due to insufficient evidence, effectively clearing Klein of any criminal wrongdoing. However, despite this legal outcome, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) remains resolute in its decision to disqualify Klein, citing violations of contest regulations.

The controversy began during the second semi-final of Eurovision 2024, when Klein was accused of threatening a camerawoman behind the scenes. The EBU acted swiftly, removing Klein from the competition before the final, a decision that was met with widespread debate. Many questioned whether the punishment was too harsh, while others defended the EBU’s commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment for all involved.

In their recent statement, the Swedish prosecutor’s office acknowledged that the incident involved a movement by Klein that allegedly struck the camera. However, due to conflicting testimonies and the rapid nature of the event, it was impossible to determine with certainty whether Klein’s actions constituted criminal behaviour under Swedish law. «The investigation is closed because it cannot be proven that this act caused real fear and that this was the man’s intention,» said prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson.

Despite Klein’s legal exoneration, the EBU has made it clear that their decision to disqualify the artist was based on internal investigations and not on the outcome of any legal proceedings. «The EBU aims to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest is a show for everyone and is a safe place for staff, artists, guests, and fans,» said Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General and Media Director of the EBU. He emphasised that the disqualification was carried out «in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures.»

The EBU’s stance highlights a distinction between legal innocence and the enforcement of organizational standards. The union reiterated that the decision to expel Klein was taken independently of the Swedish police investigation, focusing instead on maintaining the integrity and safety of the Eurovision environment. «This new development does not have any impact on our decision, which we stand by completely,» De Tender concluded.

As the dust settles, Joost Klein’s fans and the Dutch broadcasting network AVROTROS have expressed mixed emotions. While there is relief that Klein will not face legal consequences, frustration remains over what is seen as an unnecessary and disproportionate disqualification. AVROTROS has called for a meeting with the EBU to discuss what they perceive as an unjust exclusion, but the EBU has yet to respond to these requests.

For now, the saga serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal standards and the regulations governing international competitions like Eurovision. Joost Klein may have been cleared according to the law, but his Eurovision journey, it seems, is far from over.

Source: Eurovision.tv

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