Aired Stars Confront Allegations of Violence - ESC Riot: Joost Klein in Action
There's still no confirmation on what went down during the event. As per Swedish broadcaster SVT, a clash occurred between Joost Klein and a photographer off-stage. The Swedish publication "Aftonbladet" talks about a violent altercation with a crew member.
EBU's remarks on the ongoing investigation against Joost Klein
The EBU representative made a statement on Friday evening: "The investigation into the incident with Dutch artist Joost Klein at this year's Eurovision Song Contest is still underway. Talks are also ongoing between the EBU and AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcaster participating in the contest.
The EBU made a decision that Klein won't be performing in the second dress rehearsal of the contest, where the juries from the 37 participating countries would cast their votes, while the investigation carries on. Instead, his performance from the second semi-final will be used."
Klein's image as a difficult artist
Word has it that Klein has been thought of as a challenging artist, which might explain why the ESC committee monitored him closely. Klein is alleged to have refused media interviews, been unfriendly towards production staff, and acted like a star.
Verbal attacks on Israeli ESC participant Eden Golan
Klein had created bad publicity even on Thursday at the joint press conference with the ten winners of the second semi-final of the ESC. He spoke out several times unprompted and made critical comments against Israeli ESC participant Eden Golan (20). He also raised the Dutch flag over his head when the singer was addressing reporters.
This action was perceived as an anti-Semitic gesture because Klein had apparently turned down a photo op with Golan earlier in the week.
The connection between Joost Klein and German listeners
Alongside German rapper Ski Aggu (26), Klein recorded a techno remix of the Otto classic "Friesenjung" last year. The tune was composed by Otto Waalkes (75) in 1993 using the melody of "Englishman in New York" by musician Sting (72).
The techno version of "Friesenjung" became popular with millions of TikTok views and hit the top three on the German charts and first place on Spotify. Did the mega-success go to Klein's head?
Regardless of the motive for the rapper's rude behavior - it could potentially eliminate him from the ESC.
Read also:
Source: symclub.org
