Dutch contestant excluded from Eurovision hours before final

 

"Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night's Semi Final," the European Broadcasting Union said in a statement.

"While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest."

Swedish police told AFP they had questioned a man for alleged "intimidation".

"The offence was committed in the Malmo arena on Thursday evening," police spokesman Pelle Vamstad told AFP.

Dutch pubic broadcaster Avrotros told AFP in an email that it found the move "disproportionate", adding that it it was "shocked by the decision".

At the press conference after the second semi-final, Klein repeatedly covered his face with a Dutch flag, seemingly signifying he didn't agree with being placed next to the Israeli contestant Eden Golan.

Statement on Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest
 
The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
 
Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
 
We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
 
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
 
The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.