Eurovision issue statement amid online abuse targeting artists before contest

dailystar.co.uk:

Eurovision organisers have issued a statement condemning the “serious level of online abuse” aimed at contest performers and those organising the event.The annual event which is taking place in Turin, Italy, next weekend has recently faced staging difficulties ahead of the competition.Organisers have raised that an unmoveable giant kinetic sun prop that isn’t working has caused major technical problems.

It comes after bosses issued the prop will now be in place for every performance during the semi-finals and grand final “out of fairness” to all of the contestants, leading fans to negatively react online.The Eurovision final will be on BBC1 on Saturday, May 14, with Graham Norton as the host for the finale.The statement was issued to remind fans that the event’s artists, crew and volunteers should be able to work "without targeted abuse, threats or harassment"The statement said: “We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and are appalled by the serious levels of online abuse that has been directed at those working hard on producing this year’s show including via their personal accounts.“Anyone crossing the line into abusive behaviour will be blocked immediately and reported, and in serious cases, we will work with our social media partners across all platforms to report those individuals to relevant local authorities.”The statement continued: “We understand the passion and love for the Eurovision Song Contest runs deep, and the EBU [Eurovision Broadcasting Union] encourages freedom of speech, but our artists, crew and volunteers should be able to carry out their work without targeted abuse, threats or harassment."We would urge our online followers, and fans of the artists taking part in this year’s competition, to.