Here is a summary of the major scandals that occurred at Eurovision 2024:
Dutch singer Joost Klein was disqualified just hours before the grand final due to an incident involving inappropriate behavior towards a female TV worker, according to the EBU[1][2][4]. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS[4] considered this a disproportionate decision.
- There were large pro-Palestine protests in Malmö against Israel’s participation, with demonstrators, including Greta Thunberg, being forcibly detained by police[3][4]. Israel’s entry Eden Golan faced loud boos from parts of the audience during her performance[4].
Irish entry Bambie Thug accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of a rule break, which caused them to miss their final rehearsals[4]. Bambie had been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views before the contest[3][4].
Non-binary flags were prohibited from entering the venue, which angered winner Nemo, who had to discreetly bring theirs in[3]. Nemo criticized this as a “double standard” and said Eurovision “requires occasional adjustments”[3].
During the dress rehearsals, French contestant Slimane stopped singing to call for peace amid the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza[4].
Norway’s spokesperson Alessandra Mele and Finland’s spokesperson Kaarija stepped down, claiming the Eurovision motto of unity was “just empty words” amid the “genocide” in Gaza[4].
There were allegations of political voting, with the UK being the only country to receive zero points from the audience[3].
Citations:
[1] https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/05/13/ebu-review-the-events-eurovision-2024/281728/
[2] https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/eurovision-joost-klein-finals
[3] https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/05/12/eurovision-song-contest-2024-follow-live
[4] https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-11/eurovision-tense-buildup-as-protests-held-and-singer-calls-for-peace-and
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/may/12/switzerland-wins-eurovision-song-contest-after-controversial-grand-final
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It’s not really relevant though is it? I don’t understand why anyone takes the contest at all seriously.