The Netherlands’ 2024 Eurovision Song Contest performer Joost Klein has had the police investigation against him dropped.
An alleged incident led to his disqualification hour before May’s Grand Final in Malmö, Sweden, for which he was one of the favourites to win with his song Europapa.
However, he was investigated by police officials over “a complaint made by a female member of the production crew” which resulted in him being banned from performing.
According to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, he had “made a movement that hit the woman’s film camera”, but it was “perceived differently by the witnesses”.
The senior prosecutor said: “I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or the man had any such intention.” (via The Sun)
In a statement issued at the time, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) shared: “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.”
