Nebulossa Reveals Tensions at Eurovision 2024: «Policemen with Machine Guns and Snipers in the Hotel»

A month after the Eurovision 2024 final, more details are emerging about the controversial and tense atmosphere of this year’s contest. The Valencian group Nebulossa, who placed 22nd, has openly discussed their experience on the podcast ‘Querido hater’, hosted by Malbert on Podimo. Mery Bas and Mark Dasousa shared their experiences, focusing particularly on Israel’s controversial participation and the incidents they witnessed.

Extreme Security and Constant Tension

From the moment they arrived in Malmö, Nebulossa encountered an unprecedented security presence. «There were policemen with machine guns inside the hotel, snipers, demonstrations, riots… and that’s the ugly side of Eurovision we’ve experienced,» Mery Bas commented. This constant police presence and palpable tension affected the group’s stay, turning what should have been a celebration of music into an unsettling experience.

Israel’s Controversial Participation

Israel’s inclusion in the festival has been one of the most controversial topics, and Mark Dasousa did not hold back his opinion on the matter. «They need to look into it,» he said, referring to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). «We will always side with those who respect human rights and not with those who violate them. And when that is accepted, what happened, happens.» For Nebulossa, the decision to allow Israel to participate while excluding Russia highlights a concerning contradiction in the festival’s policies.

Incident with the Irish Delegation

One of the tensest moments described by Nebulossa occurred during a flag parade rehearsal. Mery and Mark recounted an altercation between the Israeli delegation and the Irish singer Bambie Thug. «Spain, we, were in the middle and there was an exchange of words and shouts,» Mark explained. «The people surrounding the Israeli girl were armed, and that made me very uncomfortable. When they started shouting, I had an armed guy next to me, and I didn’t know how they might react.» This incident underscores the unusual and alarming presence of armed personnel, increasing tension between the delegations.

Nebulossa’s testimony highlights not only the difficulties they experienced, but also raises questions about the future of Eurovision. «Eurovision is us, the audience, the people who go there,» Mark stated, emphasising the need for the EBU to reassess their decisions to avoid future conflicts. This year’s experience, with its high security and political tensions, seems to contradict the inclusive and peaceful spirit that the festival should represent.

Nebulossa’s revelations about Eurovision 2024 expose the tensions and controversies behind the festival’s glamour. As the EBU investigates what happened, it is clear that extreme security and the presence of weapons have left an indelible mark on participants and the audience. Nebulossa’s experience calls for a necessary reflection on how to preserve the essence of the contest and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Source: Podimo