Case Dropped Against Netherlands’s Joost Klein After Eurovision Disqualification

As a long-time Eurovision enthusiast who has followed the competition since its inception, I must say that this year’s twist of events surrounding Joost Klein from the Netherlands has left me both intrigued and a bit disheartened. The disqualification of one of the favorites just days before the finals was certainly unexpected, and it added an air of mystery to the competition. However, the closure of the case against Joost three months later brings a sense of relief and justice to the situation.


Back in May, I was eagerly waiting for my beloved Netherlands’ entry at the Eurovision Song Contest, but unfortunately, our favorite was disqualified before the finals even started. Fast forward three long months, and now, it appears that the charges against him have been dropped by the authorities. What a rollercoaster ride!

A favorite gets disqualified

On May 11, 2024: The Eurovision Song Contest is facing a reduction in participants as Joost Klein from the Netherlands has been disqualified and will not participate in the finals this Saturday. Eurovision announced this in a statement on Saturday afternoon. It appears that a production team member accused Klein of intimidation, which he reportedly denied to local authorities. Contrary to some media reports and online speculation, there is no evidence that this incident involved any other performer or delegation member. Klein was a strong contender for the win with his song “Europapa,” a tribute to his late father who passed away when he was 12 years old.

Despite not being allowed to vote for their own country’s entry, Dutch viewers can still participate in the Eurovision competition. Tonight’s finals will proceed with 25 contestants, one less than originally planned due to a withdrawal.

Case closed

On August 12, 2024: The Swedish Prosecution Authority has halted its investigation into Joost Klein’s case, following his disqualification from Eurovision in May. This decision came three months after an incident where Klein accidentally hit a woman’s camera during the semifinals held in Malmö, Sweden. Fredrik Jönsson, a senior prosecutor, stated, “I have closed the investigation today as I am unable to establish that the act was likely to cause severe fright or that the man harbored such an intention.”

Klein’s management expressed relief that the issue has been resolved, according to the New York Times. AVROTROS, a Dutch broadcaster, once again voiced their disapproval of Klein’s disqualification, deeming it excessive, as reported by the Times. They also mentioned they would meet with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for Eurovision, regarding this matter. However, in its own response, the EBU defended its decision to disqualify Klein. The EBU stated that their investigation focused on whether a criminal act was committed, not on whether Mr. Klein acted inappropriately and violated the rules and procedures of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).

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2024-08-13 00:53