Disqualified Eurovision Song Contest entrant Joost Klein has declined an offer from the Dutch public service broadcaster AVROTROS to return to the competition next year.
The Netherlands singer, 26, was removed from the 2024 contest ahead of the final in Malmö, Sweden, following accusations of threatening behaviour towards a female member of the production crew.
AVROTROS said at the time that the incident involved Klein being filmed directly after coming off stage "against clearly made agreements".
Eurovision organiser the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said that the decision to disqualify Klein was "made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation".
Klein's criminal case was dropped by the Swedish Prosecution Authority in August. The Swedish prosecutor said that he had closed the case due to lack of evidence.
Klein had hinted on social media that he would return to the competition.
He has now posted on Instagram: "I've made the decision to not participate in Eurovision 2025. My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn't feel good.
"I am very thankful for all the love around the world, however I am still very affected by this year. I need to give myself more time to heal."
AVROTROS confirmed that it had made the offer to Klein, who entered the 2024 contest with the upbeat and wacky Europapa.
It previously said that the Netherlands' participation in the contest was "under consideration" but has confirmed that it is returning.
AVROTROS said in a statement that it is "satisfied with the package of measures" that has been put in place by the EBU and is looking "positively to the future".
The broadcaster cited the EBU having an artist safety manager - saying that the move will reduce behind-the-scenes filming - having a crisis team from across participating countries, and the appointment of Martin Green as new Eurovision director following its review.
It added: "AVROTROS will continue to monitor this process closely but is hopeful and has confidence in the renewal of Europe's largest music festival."
AVROTROS has said that it has begun the search for its entrant for Eurovision 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland.
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will take place in Basel's St Jakobshalle on 17 May with the semi-finals taking place on 13 and 15 May.
Source: Press Association, AFP
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