Netherlands' Eurovision entry Joost Klein BANNED from performing in final after police investigation and 'breaching contest rules'
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Joost Klein has been banned from performing
REUTERS
Joost Klein has been banned from performing
Netherlands Eurovision Song Contest entry Joost Klein will not perform in the final tonight, it has been confirmed.
Klein, who entered the competition with a song "Europapa" which appeared to promote the benefits of the European Union, had qualified for the grand final on Thursday evening at the Malmo Arena venue in Sweden.
However, news broke yesterday afternoon that he had been barred from rehearsals for tonight's final due to an unknown incident.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has now released a statement announcing that Klein has been disqualified from the competition due to a complaint made to the Swedish police.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement: "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 + 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.”
A spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said in a statement: “A man is suspected of unlawful threats.
"The crime is said to have been committed at Malmo Arena on Thursday evening.
“The man is questioned by the police but not detained. The plaintiff is an employee at Eurovision.
“The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police.
“The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”