The investigation into Joost Klein’s alleged misconduct during the Eurovision Song Contest has been stopped due to a lack of evidence. This was announced by the public prosecutor in Sweden in a press release regarding the incident with a camerawoman.
According to the investigation, Klein made a “movement that struck the woman’s camera.” The incident happened in a flash and was interpreted differently by witnesses. The camerawoman filed a report about the incident, which led to the disqualification of the Dutch entry on the day of the song contest final.
The investigation has now been closed because the prosecutor “cannot prove that the movement could have caused significant fear or that this was Klein’s intention.”
Joost Klein’s management says the past few months have been incredibly difficult. “Although we love performing all over the world, it never felt quite right. As a team, we are incredibly happy and relieved that this uncertain period has now come to an end. Finally, we can say out loud: there was never a reason for this case.”
Case Not Yet Closed
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has stated that they found the disqualification “unnecessary and disproportionate” from the beginning, “and now this has been proven to be true.” The broadcaster remains “deeply disappointed” that it had to end this way for Joost Klein. For the broadcaster, the case is not yet closed. “The next step is a meeting with the EBU management about this matter in the near future.”
After the incident, AVROTROS said that Klein had made “a threatening movement” toward the woman after being filmed against the agreed terms. The broadcaster protested the disqualification, but the EBU stood firm.
In June, the broadcaster said it was uncertain whether it would participate in the competition next year. Structural changes to the Eurovision song contest must be made first, AVROTROS said in a statement at the time. Several countries reported an unsafe atmosphere this year in Malmö to the EBU.
In today’s response, the broadcaster says that there has been no reply from the EBU to their detailed letter of objection regarding the backstage events.
EBU Decision Unchanged
After Swedish prosecutor decision the EBU made “Further statement on disqualification of Joost Klein from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest”:
“The EBU aims to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest is a show for everyone and is a safe place for staff, artists, guests and fans.
Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will always respond to any workplace issues that are reported to us.
The decision to disqualify Mr Klein from this year’s event was made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation.
In parallel, Swedish police decided to open a formal investigation into the conduct of Mr Klein during the Second Semi Final, which we understand was closed today without further action.
This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached ESC rules and procedures. This new development therefore does not have any impact on our decision which we stand by completely.”
Jean Philip De Tender, EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media said
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