Netherlands' Eurovision hope Joost Klein cleared of charges
The European Broadcasting Union disqualified Joost Klein, the Netherlands' representative for Eurovision 2024, just before the final. He was accused of aggression towards a woman. The prosecutor has just issued a final statement on the matter.
3:54 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
Eurovision 2024 ended in a scandalous atmosphere. There was a debate not only about the controversial participation of the Israeli delegate but also about Joost Klein's alleged aggressive behavior. Right after the semifinal, the Dutchman allegedly attacked a photographer who tried to take his picture without his consent.
The Swedish law enforcement authorities immediately initiated an investigation but could not resolve the case within a few days. The singer did not perform on stage, nullifying his many months of preparation (and significant funding). Now, over four months after the incident, the prosecutor has issued a statement addressing the allegations against him.
It was decided that Joost Klein was cleared of all charges. A judiciary representative stated that although there was a strike, the singer's hand was directed at the camera, and there was no threat to third parties. Fredrik Jönsson deemed earlier witnesses' accounts of the incident unreliable and partially inconsistent.
Today I have closed the investigation because I cannot prove that the deed was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had any such intention — emphasised in a statement on the official website of the Swedish police.
Dutch broadcaster stands firmly behind Joost. Will he perform at Eurovision 2025?
It is worth remembering that the Dutch broadcaster responsible for the star believed in his innocence from the beginning. During the period between the semifinal and the final, materials supporting the artist and questioning the reports from Malmö appeared in the local press and television. In light of recent events, compensation from the EBU might even be in play.
Joost Klein has probably only now breathed a sigh of relief. Eurovision fans wonder whether he will decide to represent the Netherlands again in 2025. The world's biggest music show will take place in Switzerland in May. Basel and Geneva compete to be the host cities.
What do you think, should the author of the satirical hit "Europapa" get such a chance (of course, with a different song)?
