Netherlands considering not coming back to Eurovision unless “structural changes” are made

nme.com:

Eurovision following the controversial disqualification of Joost Klein in last month’s contest, their state broadcaster has said.Klein – who was set to represent the Netherlands with his song ‘Europapa’ – was disqualified from the contest in Malmö, Sweden just hours before Saturday’s finale (May 11).

At the time, police stated that the decision was made after he was accused of making verbal threats towards a female member of the production crew.The incident marked the first time that an act had been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final in the competition’s 68-year history and, before his disqualification, the 26-year-old singer was named as one of the favourites to win.Jimmy Modin, a spokesperson for the police, spoke to The Guardian about the incident and revealed that it was looking likely that Klein will face legal action.

The investigation has since concluded.A week after his disqualification, the singer performed at Freshtival in Enschede, telling the crowd, saying: “My name is Klein (short) but I’m standing tall,” referring to the Eurovision incident (per Dutchnews).After news of his disqualification, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said it was “shocked” by the decision, and stated that while Klein made a “threatening move” towards a female camera operator, he had not touched her (via The Guardian).“Against the clearly made agreement, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the green room.