Eurovision viewers have hit out at BBC presenter Angela Scanlon following Israel’s controversial performance during Tuesday night’s live semi-final in Vienna, with some accusing the broadcaster of making “snide” remarks as crowd heckling erupted inside the arena.
Israeli contestant Noam Bettan took to the stage with his song Michelle during the first Eurovision semi-final amid heightened security and ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in this year’s contest.
As Mr Bettan was introduced, chants of “stop the genocide” could be heard from sections of the audience during the live broadcast, while boos and whistles were also audible inside Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena.
The performance came after Austrian broadcaster Orf confirmed it would not use anti-booing technology during the event, unlike previous years.
Noam Bettan was booed by sections of the audience
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As the Israeli singer was introduced to the stage, Ms Scanlon’s co-host Rylan Clark commented: “As I’m sure you’re aware, there’s been a lot of controversy surrounding them in the competition this year, which has led to some countries not taking part.”
Following Mr Bettan’s performance, Ms Scanlon addressed some of the hostility aimed at the singer. “Some of the audience seem to be giving their opinions on Israel’s continued participation in this song contest. Now, we move on to the next of our Big Four…” she abruptly said.
Mr Bettan, who previously revealed he had been rehearsing to the sound of booing ahead of the competition, completed the performance before telling viewers: “Thank you, Europe, I love you.”
The reaction online was immediate, with many Eurovision viewers flooding X with criticism aimed at both the atmosphere inside the arena and the BBC’s live commentary team of Ms Scanlon and Rylan Clark.
The Israeli contestant took to the stage with his song Michelle
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One viewer furiously asked: “Why did @BBC choose… @angelascanlon on the commentary team – Ireland isn’t even in the competition. @Rylan wittering about ‘controversy’ – why? Just introduce the songs & shut up. #BBCAntisemitism.” (sic)
A second echoed: “Listened to @angelascanlon literally gnashing her teeth after #Israel’s @Eurovision act. She didn’t say much (I guess she couldn’t through a clenched jaw), but her hatred was palpable. I guess she wouldn’t be at the @BBC otherwise…!”
Elsewhere, a third weighed in: “@angelascanlon I’m disgusted you spouted negativity after the Israel performance on the semi-final of Eurovision.
“You’re there to be entertaining, not political & attempt to swing the vote. I’m not Jewish, but can see your hateful agenda @Rylan @ComplaintsBbc @BBC_Complaints.”
Chants of ‘stop the genocide’ could be heard from sections of the audience
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“There was obviously not a totally great reaction when Israel took to the stage at the Eurovision semi-final just now,” a fourth began.
“But the snide comments of Angela Scanlon, the Irish presenter, working for the BBC was uncalled for!”
A fifth reached out to the BBC directly: “Dear @BBC. Please don’t let @angelascanlon comment on the @Israel @Eurovision entrant, should they make the final. Yours sincerely, The British Jewish Community.”
And another concurred: “The few heckles were barely audible over the many cheers but @angelascanlon, the professional gurner who was only hired because @scott_mills was sacked, appeared to not only have to toe the British Bulls**t Corporation line but also not rock the pro-Islam Irish boat.”
Angela Scanlon provided the commentary alongside Rylan
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PAHowever, there was still plenty of support for the former Strictly star. “I didn’t realise how much we needed Angela Scanlon,” one fan argued.
And a second praised: “Angela Scanlon took to that like a duck to water tonight, a natural fit for the role of Eurovision commentator.
“Her and Rylan are a great team, looking forward to Thursday’s commentary. #Eurovision #BBCEurovision.”
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been overshadowed by political tensions following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to compete despite mounting pressure for a ban.
Israel’s participation in the competition lead to a boycott
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Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands all withdrew from the competition in protest over Israel’s inclusion amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Security in Vienna has also been significantly increased throughout Eurovision week, with airport-style checks, armed police units and demonstrations taking place across the Austrian capital.
Ahead of the semi-final, Palestinian flags were spotted inside the arena during rehearsals, while protesters gathered elsewhere in Vienna opposing Israel’s participation.
The BBC has continued its Eurovision coverage despite the controversy, with Ms Scanlon making her debut alongside Mr Clark during the semi-finals following Scott Mills’ departure from the broadcaster earlier this year.
The first semi-final saw 15 countries compete for a place in Saturday night’s grand final, with public votes and national juries deciding which acts would progress.
GB News has contacted the BBC for comment.