The Netherlands entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, Joost Klein, was disqualified following a "threatening movement" from the singer towards a camerawoman, a Dutch radio and television broadcaster said.
The 26-year-old rapper and singer qualified in the semi-final on Thursday with his up-tempo song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents.
A statement from the Netherlands' Songfestival, which sends acts to Eurovision, said Dutch radio and television broadcaster AVROTROS found Klein’s disqualification by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) "disproportionate" and said it was "very disappointed".
In a statement on its official X page it said: "An incident occurred after last Thursday’s performance.
"Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn’t respected.
"This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camerawoman.
"This incident was reported, followed by an investigation by the EBU and police.
"Yesterday and today we consulted extensively with the EBU and proposed several solutions. Nevertheless, the EBU has still decided to disqualify Joost Klein. AVROTROS finds the penalty very heavy and disproportionate. We stand for good manners – let there be no misunderstanding about that – but in our view, an exclusion order is not proportional to this incident.
"We are very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were so excited for tonight.
"What Joost brought to the Netherlands and Europe shouldn’t have ended this way."
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union, who organise the contest, said: "The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
"Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night's semi-final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the contest.
"We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
"We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules.
"The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs."
Swedish news outlets had earlier reported that he was being investigated after an incident involving a television production worker.
A spokeswoman for the Swedish Police Authority said in a statement: "A man is suspected of unlawful threats. The crime is said to have been committed at Malmö Arena on Thursday evening.
"The man is questioned by the police but not detained. The plaintiff is an employee at Eurovision.
"The police have taken all essential investigative measures and questioned the suspect, plaintiff and witnesses. The investigation has been completed by the police.
"The case follows the normal legal process. The police have used faster prosecution and the case will now go to the prosecutor within a few weeks."
Police confirmed the plaintiff is not a Eurovision act.
The Grand Final marks the end of this year’s Eurovision which has been mired in controversy.
The televised final at the Malmö Arena in Sweden will see acts from the big five countries – the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy – joined by reigning champions Sweden and 20 qualifying countries to perform in a bid to win the title.
Among the other acts who qualified during the semi-finals was Israeli contestant Eden Golan, whose participation amid the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a point of debate.
Her emotional song Hurricane was reworked from a previous track called October Rain, which was thought to reference the Hamas attacks on Israel that sparked the conflict.
More protests are planned for Saturday at the central square Stortorget, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators will walk across the city to Molleplasten.
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