Dutch Eurovision entrant Joost Klein missed his penultimate dress rehearsal slot after he was ‘suspended for having an altercation with a photographer’ it has been reported.
Swedish national television broadcaster, SVT reported it had received information alleging that ‘there has been a physical confrontation between the artist and a photographer’ which resulted in today’s chaos.
However, the claim has not yet been verified and no source was given by the broadcaster.
This comes as it was rumoured that the Dutch entry, 26, who did not deliver his song Europapa today, wanted to make a statement but was blocked from doing so.
A Eurovision spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘The investigation into the incident with the Dutch artist in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is still ongoing. Discussions are also taking place between the EBU and AVROTROS, the Dutch participating broadcaster.
Joost Klein pictured on stage during the dress rehearsal today in Malmo, Sweden
The Dutch singer performing the song Europapa during the Eurovision semi-final on Thursday
‘While the investigation continues the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform during Dress Rehearsal 2 of the competition which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries.
‘His performance from Semi Final 2 will be used instead.’
It follows a video posted on social media which showed him asking ‘why not’ when Israeli singer Eden Golan refused answer a question about security.
In a statement the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) previously said: ‘We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.
‘He will not be rehearsing until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.’
It is not yet understood whether Klein will be performing in tomorrow’s grand final.
Klein was in the the flag parade at the start of the rehearsal, and walked around the stage in full costume, but failed to perform half an hour later.
Towards the end of a conference yesterday, Israeli act Golan was asked was asked by Polish radio outlet Newsletter whether she believed she was causing a security risk for other acts by attending.
The moderator told her she didn’t have to answer the question, to which the Duct act shouted loudly ‘why not?’
Golan answered the question: ‘I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only.
‘The EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone.
Klein was in the the flag parade at the start of the rehearsal, and walked around the stage in full costume, but failed to perform half an hour later. Klein pictured at a press conference yesterday
Towards the end of a conference yesterday, Israeli act Golan (pictured) was asked was asked by Polish radio outlet Newsletter whether she believed she was causing a security risk for other acts by attending
‘So I think it’s safe for everyone or we wouldn’t be here.’ Her response was met with applause.
Israel’s Eurovision singer was ordered to stay in her hotel room and is under constant protection after thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gathered in Malmo, Sweden.
Israeli national security agency Shin Bet warned Golan not to leave her hotel room except for performances after receiving death threats and amid terror-attack fears.
There have been calls from protesters to throw Israel out of the singing competition because of the war in Gaza following Hamas’ terror attacks on October 7.
MailOnline has approached EBU and Joost Klein for a comment.
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