An independent investigation — launched on behalf of the EBU — is assessing the “unsafe working atmosphere” that allegedly took place in Malmö during Eurovision 2024.
According to a report on Dutch TV programme RTL Boulevard, the investigation comes after the EBU received at least 13 complaints from various delegations after the Eurovision Song Contest.
As part of the independent investigation, investigators will interview members of Eurovision delegations — and with the option for people to remain anonymous. We can safely assume this is to make people feel more comfortable. Many will have professional or personal relationships with the alleged offenders — whoever they may be.
Norway’s Head of Delegation Stig Karlsen spoke with RTL Boulevard’s entertainment reporter Aran Bade and confirmed Norway is in talks with the EBU. He said:
”The EBU reached out to us positively, inviting us to evaluate ESC 2024 from our perspective. Representing NRK, I have already shared our experience and concerns with an external representative hired by the EBU.”
“We have every intention of participating in ESC 2025, but it depends on the actions the EBU will take to ensure that we do not face another season filled with polarization, politics, and security concerns.”
Eurovision 2024: Independent investigation looking into unsafe working atmosphere
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS lodged an official complaint with the EBU about an “unsafe environment” prior to their act Joost Klein being disqualified on the day of the grand final.
Joost, of course, was disqualified because of the EBU’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at their event. Yet the Dutch team felt it had already witnessed inappropriate behaviour at the event before the Joost brouhaha.
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.
According to RTL Boulevard, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal are among the other delegations to issue formal complaints. The Dutch broadcaster is currently considering its response to the independent investigation.
Separately, Wiwibloggs have been told that it’s likely Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl is maintaining a low profile during this investigation.
