Joost Klein Demands Dutch Witnesses in Eurovision Incident Trial

The trial of Dutch singer Joost Klein in Sweden, originally set to commence in early June, has faced delays as the artist pushes for additional witnesses from his home country. As reported by Swedish broadcaster SVT, the prosecution was expedited due to sufficient evidence and the relatively minor nature of the alleged offense. However, Klein’s defense team is challenging the speed of the proceedings.
Legal Complications and Delays
Fredrik Jönsson, the prosecutor from the Malmö Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed to Swedish tabloid Expressen that Klein is insisting on including testimonies from individuals based in the Netherlands. «It is about Joost and his defense team wanting a number of people in the Netherlands to be heard,» Jönsson stated. He added that he must decide whether to request legal assistance, which would extend the timeline.
The Incident in Question
Klein faces accusations of threatening behavior towards an EBU camerawoman who was filming him backstage during the Eurovision Song Contest. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS provided clarity on the incident in a statement, noting that Klein had been filmed against agreed protocols immediately after a performance. When his requests to cease filming were ignored, Klein allegedly made a threatening gesture towards the camera, although no physical contact occurred.
«An incident occurred after last Thursday’s performance. Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just got off-stage and had to rush to the green room. 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 camerawoman. This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU and police,» AVROTROS explained.
Reactions and Ongoing Dispute
On the day of the grand final, Klein was disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest, a decision that AVROTROS deemed «extremely severe and disproportionate.» Following his disqualification, Klein maintained silence, communicating only through his lawyer, who reiterated Klein’s denial of any criminal behavior. According to the lawyer, the incident occurred during a sensitive moment when Klein was not supposed to be photographed. Klein claims he asked the camerawoman to stop filming, and when she continued, he pushed the camera away without intending any threat.
Public Appearances and Statements
Klein’s frustration with the Eurovision outcome became evident during his performance in Vancouver, Canada, where he voiced his discontent, stating, «F*ck Eurovision.» Despite the ongoing legal issues, Klein continues to perform and connect with his audience, expressing gratitude for their support and resilience through this challenging period.
As the trial progresses, the inclusion of Dutch witnesses could provide new insights and potentially alter the case’s direction. For now, the Eurovision community and Klein’s fans remain on edge, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.