Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug has said they missed their dress rehearsal after a “situation” required “urgent attention” from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
On their Instagram story, they wrote: “Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.
“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me.
“I hope to see you on the stage tonight.”
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In response, the organisers of Eurovision said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.
“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.
“We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the grand final show as planned.”
It comes as Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein was disqualified in advance of the competition final.
It comes after Klein missed two scheduled dress rehearsals on Friday while an investigation into an alleged incident was carried out.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s semi-final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest,” the EBU said.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules.
“The grand final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.”
The official page of the Netherlands’ Songfestival, which sends acts to Eurovision, said it is “shocked” and finds the decision “disproportionate”.
The 26-year-old rapper and singer had qualified in the semi-final on Thursday with his up-tempo song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents.
Earlier, a spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said in a statement: “A man is suspected of unlawful threats. The crime is said to have been committed at Malmo Arena on Thursday evening.
“The man is questioned by the police but not detained. The plaintiff is an employee at Eurovision.
“The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police.
“The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks.”
Police confirmed the plaintiff is not a Eurovision act.
The grand final marks the end of this year’s Eurovision which has been mired in controversy.
The televised final at the Malmo Arena in Sweden will see acts from the big five countries – the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy – joined by reigning champions Sweden and 20 qualifying countries to perform in a bid to win the title.
Irish entry Bambie Thug is among those who landed a place in the final, which makes them the first Irish finalist since 2018 after a vote for their performance of Doomsday Blue. – PA
