Police provide update on investigation into Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein deported hours before final

Swedish police have announced that they have dropped their investigation into a backstage altercation involving Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein.

Klein, who was set to represent the Netherlands with his song “Europaca,” was disqualified from the contest in Malmö, Sweden, just hours before this year’s final (on May 11). At the time, police said the decision was made after he was accused of making verbal threats against a female member of the production team.

In a new statement, the Swedish prosecutor’s office said the investigation had revealed that “the man made a movement that hit the woman’s camera,” and added that “the course of events was rapid and was perceived differently by witnesses to the incident.”

Prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson added: “I cannot prove that the act was likely to cause serious fear or that the man had such an intention.”

The incident marks the first time an artist has been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final in the competition’s 68-year history and, prior to his disqualification, the 26-year-old singer was tipped as one of the favourites to win.

After his disqualification was announced, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it was “shocked” by the decision and said that although Klein made a “threatening gesture” toward a camerawoman, he did not touch her (via The Guardian).

“Contrary to the clearly established agreement, Joost was filmed when he had just come off stage and had to rush to the dressing room. At that point, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This was not respected,” Avrotros added.

The announcement of his withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest first came via an update from the EBU. The full statement reads: “Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be participating in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest grand final.

“The Swedish police have investigated a complaint filed by a female member of the production team after an incident that occurred following her performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. While the legal proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for her to continue participating in the competition.

“We would like to clarify that, contrary to some media reports and speculation on social media, this incident does not involve any other artist or member of the delegation.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all competition staff. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is considered a violation of the competition rules.”

This year’s competition, won by Swiss company Nemo, was marred by controversy for allowing Israel to compete against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Separately, the BBC has responded to complaints about this year’s Eurovision coverage by saying that “some aspects of the broadcast… did not please everyone”.