Bambie Thug has slammed the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, claiming they did not support her after Israeli television called her semi-final performance “satanic”.
The ‘ouji pop’ star took sixth place in the music event’s first grand final in Ireland since 2018, one place behind Israeli Eden Golan, whose entry sparked the ire of pro-Palestinian protesters amid the war in Gaza.
Bambie, who has been outspoken about his pro-Palestine views, accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of violating the rules and said they have been waiting to hear from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about what measures would be taken.
On Tuesday, a Kan commentator warned viewers that Bambie’s performance of her song, Doomsday Blue, would be “the scariest” of the night, involving “a lot of spells, black magic and dark clothing, satanic symbols.” and voodoo dolls. .
He went on to say that Bambie liked to “talk negatively about Israel,” before adding, “But we can talk about that later.” She prepares your curses.’
Bambie, who describes herself as a “queer witch,” told reporters at the press center that Kan “incited violence against me two, three times,” and that her team had raised this with the EBU. but the organizer still No response.
Ireland’s Bambie Thug performs the song Doomsday Blue during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden.
Bambie, who has been outspoken about his pro-Palestinian views, accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of violating the rules.
“(The EBU) waited until the last minute, we still have not received a statement, they have not allowed us to be scapegoats, they have allowed us to be the spokesperson to defend ourselves,” Bambie said.
The dramatic development comes after Bambie missed the dress rehearsal and said a “situation” required “urgent attention” from the EBU, but gave no further details.
Bambie went on to say at the press conference: “Behind the scenes you don’t know the amount of pressure and the amount of work we’ve been doing to change things and I’m so proud that Nemo won.”
“I just want to say that we are what Eurovision is, the EBU is not what Eurovision is, the EBU is the one doing this, screw them, I don’t even care about the EBU anymore.”
‘I’m so proud that all of us are in the top 10 that have been fighting for this shit behind the scenes. Because it has been very difficult and I am very proud of us.”
They also called it “stressful” and said that what makes the competition is “the community behind it, the love, the power and the support of all of us is what is creating the change.”
They added about Kan: “The station has disobeyed the rules and I hope next year they won’t be able to compete because of that.”
The EBU said in a statement about Kan’s comment: “We have spoken to KAN, the Israeli broadcaster, about this matter and reiterate the importance of all commentators respecting all artists participating in the competition and respecting the rules and regulations of the event.’
Despite earning a staggering 323 points from the public with his song Hurricane, Golan failed to win over the juries, earning only 52 points from the professional judges.
Kan’s commentator said that Bambie’s performance would be reminiscent of ‘Cat Square in Jerusalem in the mid-90s’, referring to a public square that was a popular nightlife destination and a center of gothic culture.
He also said that there had been “some controversy” in Ireland over Doomsday Blue, referencing a petition asking its public broadcaster to disqualify it as Ireland’s entry.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Bambie said the comments had left them with “a lot more anger and a lot more drive now”, ahead of Saturday night’s final.
In what has been called the most chaotic contest in Eurovision history, Marina Satti of Greece and Nemo of Switzerland, who ultimately won, missed the flag parade.
Satti sparked anger on Friday after she pretended to fall asleep while Israeli Eden Golan spoke at a news conference.
Then last night he was allegedly among a group including representatives from Greece, Ireland and Switzerland who had a disagreement with Itay Bezaleli, Golan’s stylist, over being filmed.
Greece’s entry sparked anger on Friday after it pretended to fall asleep while Israel’s Eden Golan spoke at a news conference.
Greek singer Marina Satti representing Greece with the song ‘ZARI’ poses at the start of the final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest
“The Greek yelled at me: ‘Don’t film!’ and he cheated on me,” Bezaleli said in a now-deleted social media post, according to Ynet. “Even though he wasn’t the only one filming, she singled me out.”
Following the incident, Bezaleli was removed from the arena, the Israeli news site reports. He later returned to the event.
The Israeli broadcasting corporation reported that at the request of the organizers, “the Israeli delegation was moved to a different room within the delegation area.”
Last night, sources revealed that Golan had to be moved to separate her from Bambie Thug, who they described as “angry at Israel.”
A source told The Mail On Sunday: “The Israeli delegation thought it was best to get Eden away from Bambie Thug and the Irish delegation because they don’t want to put more pressure on her.”
Switzerland obtained 591 points, 365 from the juries and 226 from the public, ahead of Croatia, Ukraine, France, Israel and Ireland.
Nemo speaks after winning the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with 591 points
Ireland took the top 12 points from the Australian jury vote, as well as 10 from the UK audience as part of a total of 136 from the overall audience vote, but ultimately failed to catch up to the eventual winner, Nemo from Switzerland.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris congratulated Bambie on her “stunning performance and tour de force at Eurovision 2024.”
‘They acted with passion, stopped us in our tracks and made us proud. “The explosion of applause in the stadium at the end of Ireland’s performance spoke for itself,” she said in a statement.
‘Congratulations to Switzerland for the victory and congratulations to Sweden for hosting another spectacular event. Thanks to our closest musical ally in Europe, Australia, for our only positive points!
As far as we’re concerned, it’s Bambie Thug night.
“Well done, Bambi.”
Earlier, TV presenter Graham Norton, who provides commentary for the BBC’s coverage, said the singer, who performed his song Doomsday Blue, “is destined to do extremely well”.
He said: “I’m not a parent, but I have to warn you that younger children, seriously, might find this upcoming performance a little scary.”
He added: “Bambie Thug is a great performer and Ireland has done a very good job of producing this year and everything points to her doing very well.”
Irish fans feared their act would not make it to the stage after they walked out of the flag parade rehearsal.
Bambie took to Instagram yesterday to explain her reasons: “Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go on stage for the flag parade rehearsal that I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU. The EBU has taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what measures should be taken.
‘This means I’ve missed my dress rehearsal. I am very sorry for the fans who have come to see me.
“I hope to see you on stage tonight.”
Ireland’s entry, Bambie Thug, appeared to comply with an order to remove the word “ceasefire” from his face in Ogham script; she appears to read “crown the witch.”
Ireland’s entry performed on Saturday night and appeared on stage with the words “crown the witch”, in medieval Ogham script, on their body.
The singer, who uses they pronouns and has become the first Irish qualifier since 2018, has previously criticized Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, for competing in the contest.
Ahead of the final, Bambie said in an Instagram story: “I have made multiple complaints to the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) about the cases I have experienced this week.
‘Today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that Kan’s commentator had violated the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.
The contest has been marred by controversy amid Israel’s presence as it fights Hamas in Gaza, with pro-Palestinian protesters descending on Malmo (above).
‘I have been patiently waiting to hear what action the EBU will take following this breach of the rules.
‘I have since seen a statement from EBU Director General Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation.
‘I’m still waiting for an official update from the EBU.
“I hope to see you on stage tonight.”
In response, a spokesperson for Israeli broadcaster Kan said: “We wish everyone the best of luck tonight.”
Eurovision organizers said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and footage of her performance in dress rehearsal two was used instead.
“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and the song contest organizers.”
Kan and the EBU have been contacted for comment.