Protesting Eurovision

As thousands of protesters descended on Malmö, this years Eurovision suffered a considerable dip (25%) in viewing figures on Saturday night compared to the previous year’s competition amid widespread controversy due to Israel’s continued genocide against the Palestinian people.

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Malmö, Sweden

As a long standing Eurovision fan I was appalled by the decision to allow Israel to participate in this years contest. Claims of neutrality resound with hypocrisy when we consider the decision to exclude Russia following their invasion of Ukraine.

I’m not alone in feeling this way as shown by the thousands that have demonstrated all over Europe. Even before the final had got under way there was controversy surrounding the disqualified Dutch entry and several hosts refusal to participate. Most telling of all to me was the speech given by the French act in the final dress rehearsal.

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Slimane

Slimane, a multi-million selling artist in France, interrupted his song to make an impassioned speech;

Everybody, I just need to say something. Every artist here want[s] to sing about love and sing about peace. We need to be united by music, yes, but with love for peace. United by music, yes, but with love for peace [he repeated]. Thank you so much. Thank you Europe.

The BBC has demanded the Eurovision board (EBU) to sanction them. Yes, how dare an artist speak about peace!

So, on Saturday evening I found myself outside the BBC Media City offices to make my voice heard.

We had a few new chants;

BBC we decree, You’ll be judged by history.

Eurovision. You say neutral, We say brutal.

There were quite a few people at the protest who identify as LGBTQ+, who constitute a sizeable part of the audience for Eurovision. They made some good points about “pink washing”, in which the argument has been made that fans should support Israel because they treat gay people better then the Palestinians. Yet Israeli forces routinely use the sexuality of Palestinian prisoners against them.

The banner reads No Pride In Apartheid

The Irish singer Bambie Thug has actually lodged a complaint against Israeli TV for a comment. Israeli TV station KAN referred to a "controversy" over Bambie Thug's song, whose lyrics reference witchcraft and the occult, then noted that the performer had "spoken negatively about Israel". The commentator then went on to say “prepare your curses”.

Bambie Thug

Now as I chose to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest this year, as called for by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, I can only put forward others opinions. However, there does seem to be a consensus that there was a theme of the occult and Satanic worship running through many of the the acts. Including the UK’s entry with Olly Alexander. It kinda feeds to into those conspiracy theorists saying our world is being run by those in Satanic cults.

Nemo

Regarding the winner, The Swiss entry Nemo I can only deduce that this year’s contest saw a plethora of acts from the LGBTQ+ community. A group who may feel themselves represented and even accepted by normative culture and can fly the rainbow flag with pride. Yet, it was forbidden to fly the Palestinian flag.

During Tuesday night's show, Eric Saade, Sweden's 2011 Eurovision winner, performed in the half-time slot with a Palestinian keffiyeh wrapped around his wrist. The musician, who is half-Palestinian, had previously slammed the EBU's decision to ban Palestinian flags from the arena.

The Norwegian jury spokesperson, Allesandro Mele, in a TikTok released hours before the final, made it clear that she was pulling out due to Israel’s participation. Also the Finnish spokesperson, and last year’s runner-up Kaarija pulled out after a video of his meeting the Israeli contestant was posted on social media. Facing an imminent public backlash Kaarija requested it be withdrawn. Stating;

I would like to clarify and emphasise that the video is not a political statement or an endorsement of any kind.

Unprecedented in Eurovision history was the last minute expulsion of Joost Klein. The singer and rapper representing the Netherlands who was one of the bookies favourites.

Finding out what happened behind the scenes with the Netherlands entry has proved elusive. It appears we know that Swedish cops are investigating an allegation of intimidation made by a female member of Eurovision's production crew. The Netherlands Songfestival has defended Klein and said he "repeatedly indicated" he did not want to be filmed and that he "did not touch the camera woman". However some outlets are reporting that he will face charges by the Swedish police for making threats. Was this incident related to the wider controversy in relation to Israel? I would be surprised if it wasn’t.

The most I could find on the matter was that there were reports of tension between Mr Klein and Israel’s Eden Golan. During a press conference on Thursday, Ms Golan was asked whether she thought that “by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?" The moderator told Ms Golan that she did not have to answer, prompting Mr Klein to interject: “Why not?”

Finally our British papers are full of analysing why the UK act did so poorly, especially in the public vote (nil). Turn to the papers and they would have you believe it’s down to his divisive comments about the Union flag. Or that his mic had problems on stage. Barely a mention to the ongoing campaign pressuring Olly Alexander to join the boycott.

As to the finale itself was Israel booed or not? Well not if you watched it on a state approved broadcast. Yes, if you saw footage filmed at the actual event.

See for yourself