Eurovision organizers last night reprimanded one of the Eurovision 2024 opening acts for wearing a keffiyeh during the first semi-final.
Swedish singer Eric Saade, one of three former contestants who opened the contest in Malmo, tied the scarf, which has become a symbol of support for Palestine amid the conflict in the Middle East, around his wrist.
Saade, of Palestinian origin, came third with Sweden in the 56th Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and has repeatedly expressed his opposition to Israel’s participation on this occasion.
A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live television programme.
“All artists know the rules of the Contest and we regret that Eric Saade has decided to compromise the apolitical nature of the event.”
Swedish singer Eric Saade has been reprimanded by Eurovision organizers for wearing a keffiyeh when opening the first semi-final.
The scarf he wore tied to his wrist has become a symbol of support for Palestine in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East.
Saade was joined by Eleni Foureira (left) and Chanel (center) to open the event in Malmo, Sweden.
Saade was joined by fellow song contest contestants Eleni Foureira, who came second in 2018 for Cyprus, and Chanel, who finished third for Spain in 2022, when she appeared with her keffiyeh wrapped around her wrist on display.
It is not the only difficulty that the event has faced regarding the Gaza conflict since it chose to include Israel in the competition as usual.
British representative Olly Alexander was one of nine participants who signed a statement in March that said: ‘In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable remaining silent.
‘It is important for us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our sincere desire for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages. We are united against all forms of hate, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
‘We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, allowing people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.
“We feel it is our duty to create and maintain this space, with the great hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.”
The Years & Years star had been under scrutiny when a group of 450 queer artists, individuals and organizations signed an open letter asking the singer to withdraw from the contest over Israel’s war with Gaza.
(ID) Foureira, Chanel and Saade – without keffiyeh – during a semi-final rehearsal
British representative Olly Alexander (pictured) was one of nine participants who signed a statement in March that said: “In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not We feel comfortable staying silent. ‘
He also performed in Tuesday’s semi-final, despite automatically qualifying for Saturday’s final.
In a separate statement he wrote: ‘I unconditionally support the measures being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety of all civilians in Palestine and Israel.
“I know that some people will choose to boycott Eurovision this year and I understand and respect their decision.
‘As a participant, I have taken a lot of time to deliberate about what to do and the options available to me. I currently believe that withdrawing from the competition would not bring us any closer to our shared goal.’
‘I hope and pray that our calls are answered and that there is an end to the atrocities we are seeing taking place in Gaza.
“I would like to thank the many signatories of this letter whose work I deeply admire and respect, and I hope that we can continue to work together to create a better world for us all.”
Last year, the BBC faced calls to remove Alexander as its Eurovision candidate, after it emerged he had signed a letter calling Israel an “apartheid regime”.
The statement, which was released on October 20, almost two weeks after the Hamas attack on October 7, also says that Israel has “terrorized” the Palestinian people and that a “genocide” is now taking place “in real time.” .
The BBC does not plan to take any action as the singer signed the letter weeks before being introduced as the UK’s Eurovision artist, the Telegraph reported.
So the It’s A Sin actor is set to represent the UK in Saturday’s final and has vowed to “fly the UK flag in the gayest way possible”.
Although UK entrants automatically earn a place in the final, Alexander performed his song, Dizzy, in the first semi-final, with fans divided over whether the 33-year-old has what it takes to take the trophy home after the final . Masterpiece of May 11.
While half seemed to love the song and praised the expressive staging, others noted that Alexander’s voice seemed slightly shaky.
Tomorrow it will be decided in the second semi-final whether the Israeli contender will join him in the final in Malmo.
Israel has faced multiple threats of disqualification from this year’s Eurovision, after two proposed songs were allegedly rejected due to their “political nature.”
One tip allegedly referenced victims of the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7.
Finally, Israel presented a new song, titled Hurricane, but apparently kept some of the lyrics of its predecessor and will be performed by Eden Golan.
Israel has faced multiple threats of disqualification from this year’s Eurovision, after two proposed songs were allegedly rejected due to their “political nature.” In the photo: Israeli participant, Eden Golan
Gulan will perform Hurricane on Thursday as she competes for a spot in the finals.
Due to safety fears, the competitor from Israel was reportedly told to stay in her hotel room in Malmo before competing in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Demonstrations calling for the exclusion of Israel are expected to take place in the Swedish city during the performance.
Until the final on Saturday, where only flags of the participating countries are allowed in the public, starting on Tuesday there will be: Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
They will join whoever triumphs on Thursday and the ‘Big Five’ (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) who do not need to go through a semi-final as the biggest financial contributors to the competition, as well as last year’s winners. and this year’s hosts: Sweden.