EBU statement on Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

On 11 May, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issued a statement on the Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Grand Final, which is hereby published in full without changes.

“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.”

UPDATE (11/05/2024 14:11):As a result of no participation from the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final the following will take effect:

• All contestants keep their number in the official Running Order. There will be NO song in position number 5.
• The jury results, received after Dress Rehearsal 2 on Friday 10 May have been recalculated so that the Netherlands will not receive any points. This is why all jury members have to rank all songs from 1 to 26. For example: if the Netherlands was ranked 9th by a national jury in a country the 10th ranked song is now ranked 9th and will receive 2 points and the former 11th ranked song is now 10th and gets 1 point.
• No points will be awarded to the Netherlands from the viewing public.
• Dutch viewers are still allowed to vote in the Grand Final and the Dutch Jury result in still valid.
• The EBU will inform all telecommunications partners that the Netherlands is no longer participating, and we will endeavor to block the lines for Song 5. We ask that no one attempts to vote for Song 5. Should anyone try to vote for song 5 their votes will not count but there is a possibly viewers may be charged.
• The Netherlands will not appear on the scoreboard.

Source: Eurovision.tv
Illustration: Eurovision Song Contest – Malmö 2024 – graphics by SVT & EBU