The tensions between the EBU and Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS seem to be growing by the day. This all comes following the disqualification of the Netherlands‘ representative, Joost Klein, moments before the Eurovision 2024 grand final, due to an incident that occurred backstage.
AVROTROS complained about “unsafe environment” at Eurovision before disqualification
While the EBU maintains their strong position, declaring that they have a firm zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at their event, AVROTROS has revealed that before the Netherlands was disqualified from the contest, they had lodged a complaint with the EBU about an “unsafe environment.”
The Dutch broadcaster expressed through news site NU.nl that their complaint was based on experiences that happened before the country’s disqualification and they filed a complaint on 10 May, one day before the grand final. Although AVROTROS did not provide specific details about the details for their complaint, they acknowledged that they “recognise the picture” described in complaints made by other artists and delegations.
AVROTROS also expressed their disappointment in the EBU’s decision to use anti-booing technology, stating that it prevents viewers from hearing the reality and genuine reactions of the crowd, thereby creating a false impression: “We believe that when a musician performs you should always show what it does to the audience.”
Dutch outlet AD.nl reported that before the written complaint AVROTROS filed on 10 May, there was a verbal complaint to the EBU on 9 May.
AVROTROS responded unfavourably to the EBU’s decision, expressing their belief that disqualification was an “excessive” response to the incident. Consequently, AVROTROS opted not to announce their own jury points during the grand final, leading to a strong negative reaction from the audience when the contest’s Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, took on the task.
The Dutch broadcaster currently remains silent on whether they will participate in Eurovision next year or not.
S10 recalls her own Eurovision experience
S10 represented the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2022 with the song “De Diepte.” Following the disqualification of this year’s representative, Joost Klein, S10 has commented about how such problems are not new in Eurovision. S10 empathised with Joost’s issues, declaring that she herself had a difficult time when competing, as staff members did not respect the boundaries of the artists.
She expressed that she experienced similar issues backstage, where the incident involving Joost Klein occurred this year, attributing it to the failure of the backstage staff to create a supportive environment for the artists. She also criticised the excessive filming of artists during vulnerable moments.
“There were many people who crossed my boundaries, mainly backstage (where it went wrong with Joost). It is not a nice environment for artists. Filming (emotional) artists in vulnerable positions on their way to/from the stage was intense.”
What do you think about the “unsafe environment” that AVROTROS reported at Eurovision? Should the EBU pay more attention to the boundaries of the artists? Let us know in the comments below.