The EBU and Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS release statements on Joost Klein's dropped case

Overnight, the Swedish Prosecution Authority dropped the investigation into Joost Klein for alleged actions at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

To recap, the prosecutors said:

"The investigation has come to the conclusion that the man made a movement that hit the woman's film camera. The course of events was fast and was perceived differently by the witnesses of the incident."

"I have closed the investigation because I cannot prove that the act was capable of causing serious fear or that the man had any such intention."

This has led to statements from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Dutch broadcaster AVROTOS.

AVROTOS Statement

Dutch broadcaster reiterated their consistent view that the disqualification was disproportionate and challenged the EBU to work with them on a resolution going forward.

The statement:

We have also just learned that the criminal investigation against Joost Klein has been suspended by the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office because there is no evidence of criminal conduct.

From the beginning, we have said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate and so it now appears to be. We are still deeply disappointed that the Europa adventure of Joost Klein and of the entire Netherlands was brutally ended in this way.

The next step is to have a meeting with the EBU management about this matter at very short notice. 

This meeting will focus on this unjust disqualification. We will also discuss all our other objections about the course of events behind the scenes at the Song Contest that we previously sent to the EBU in a comprehensive letter of objection, which to date has remained unanswered.

AVROTROS’ approach is and remains that the Song Contest is about artists and their musical message. The ball is now in the EBU’s court.

EBU statement

The EBU reiterated that their rules had been broken.

The statement:

Jean Philip De Tender, EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media said: 

"The EBU aims to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest is a show for everyone and is a safe place for staff, artists, guests and fans.

Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will always respond to any workplace issues that are reported to us.

The decision to disqualify Mr Klein from this year’s event was made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation.

In parallel, Swedish police decided to open a formal investigation into the conduct of Mr Klein during the Second Semi Final, which we understand was closed today without further action.

This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached ESC rules and procedures.

This new development therefore does not have any impact on our decision which we stand by completely."

At the time of Joost's disqualification in May, the EBU stated:

While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.

Joost Klein

Joost has commented on his Instagram:

Even though I love to perform anywhere around the world, something didn't feel right. Why did we have to wait so long for an answer? Everyday I felt insecure whilst I knew the truth. There is no case against me, because there never was a case.

We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should ALL come together. Companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield. A village against the city...

Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN THOUGH I LOST ALL HOPE

WE BACK NOW BABY!!! ALBUM MODE!!!!!!!

This is a developing story and we will update when more information comes to light.

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