The Dutch contestant in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, Joost Klein, was expelled from the event in Malmö, Sweden, shortly before the grand finale due to allegations of making illegal threats. The decision followed incidents where Klein did not attend two dress rehearsals on Friday, leading to a police investigation initiated by a complaint from a female member of the production crew. Swedish police concluded their investigation and expect to decide on pressing charges within a few weeks, according to police spokesman Jimmy Modin.
Details emerged from various sources, with the tabloid Aftonbladet reporting that Klein had an altercation with a photographer, which included raising a fist in a threatening manner. The police consider applying "accelerated prosecution" in the case, typically resolved quicker than more serious crimes, usually within six to eight weeks.
This development marks a first in Eurovision's 68-year history with Klein’s last-minute disqualification. Klein, a 26-year-old singer and rapper known for his Euro-techno song "Europapa," was a favorite in the betting odds and among fans. Following the incident, Klein left Sweden. The Eurovision title was ultimately claimed by Switzerland's contestant, Nemo.