Swedish prosecutors announced on Monday that they are closing the investigation into Joost Klein, the Dutch representative for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Klein was ejected from the competition mere hours before the final in May due to an altercation involving a camerawoman.
Fredrik Jonsson, the Swedish prosecutor, released a statement indicating that there was insufficient evidence to prove that a gesture made by Klein was capable of instilling serious fear in the camerawoman or that he had intended to intimidate her. The statement elaborated that while Klein did indeed make a movement toward the crew member and made contact with her camera, the incident unfolded rapidly and was perceived in various ways by those who witnessed it.
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest was marked by heightened tensions, largely due to extensive protests surrounding Israel’s participation in the event. In the lead-up to the final, pro-Palestinian groups organized multiple marches throughout the host city of Malmö, Sweden. Additionally, several Eurovision performers took to social media to express their pro-Palestinian sentiments, adding to the charged atmosphere.
Klein’s disqualification came as a surprising twist on the day of the final. Just one day prior, the popular Dutch artist, known for his catchy songs filled with whimsical lyrics and rapid beats, failed to attend a rehearsal for his entry titled “Europapa.” Shortly afterward, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the contest, announced that it was looking into an incident involving Klein and a member of the production crew. The following day, just hours before the much-anticipated final, the EBU stated that Swedish police were also investigating the matter, leading them to conclude that it would be inappropriate for Klein to participate while legal proceedings were ongoing.
The news of Klein’s disqualification sparked immediate backlash among Eurovision fans on social media platforms. In the days after the contest, many supporters in the Netherlands rallied behind the singer, with radio stations frequently playing his song. Some churches even rang their bells in tune with his music as a form of protest against the decision.
