The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued a statement condoning the abuse of artists set to compete at Eurovision 2024.
With the war in Gaza ongoing, many of this year’s acts have faced calls to boycott the contest following the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to compete.
In the statement, Eurovision organisers note the artists themselves have no role in the decision over Israel’s participation, and should therefore not be subject to unfair harassment on the matter.
You can read the statement in full below.
EBU statement on abuse and harassment of Eurovision 2024 artists
Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the EBU, says:
“The European Broadcasting Union acknowledges the depth of feeling and the strong opinions that this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – set against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East – has provoked. We understand that people will want to engage in debate and express their deeply held views on this matter. We have all been affected by the images, stories and the unquestionable pain suffered by those in Israel and in Gaza.
However, we wish to address the concerns and discussions surrounding this situation, especially the targeted social media campaigns against some of our participating artists.
The decision to include any broadcaster, including the Israeli’ broadcaster Kan, in the Eurovision Song Contest is the sole responsibility of the EBU’s governing bodies and not that of the individual artists. These artists come to Eurovision to share their music, culture, and the universal message of unity through the language of music.
The EBU has previously explained the reasoning for the inclusion of KAN and the differences between them as an independent broadcaster and previous participants who were excluded. Constructive debate is a positive consequence of such decisions.
However, while we strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest. This is unacceptable and totally unfair, given the artists have no role in this decision.
The EBU is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, staff, and fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote the values of respect, inclusivity, and understanding, both online and offline.
We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and support the artists who are working tirelessly – on what is a music and entertainment show – to share their music with the world.”
Additionally, the EBU has published a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Israeli participation at Eurovision 2024.
Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest?
The Israeli public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957 and has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for 50 years.
The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that unites audiences around the world through music.
Why is Israel still a Member of the EBU when Russia was suspended?
As a non-political organization, the EBU’s role is to support public service broadcasters throughout Europe and the Middle East.
The Israel public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU for over 60 years. The Russian public service broadcasters had their EBU membership suspended in 2022 due to consistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service media values.
Why is the Israeli entry eligible to compete?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can confirm that the official submission from its Israeli Member Kan has been deemed eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
The Contest’s Reference Group, its governing board, made the decision to accept the song ‘Hurricane’ for the upcoming competition after careful scrutiny of the lyrics.
It was agreed that ‘Hurricane’ met the necessary criteria for participation in accordance with the rules of the competition.
Will there be more security than usual this year, because of the fact the Israel is competing?
We take the safety of attendees and staff at the Eurovision Song Contest very seriously. We continue to work closely with SVT, the City of Malmö City, Malmö Arena, the local Police and other law enforcement agencies and feel confident in being able to create a safe event for all participants and visitors in May.
How will the EBU react if there are protests in Malmö?
The EBU is a firm advocate for freedom of speech and the right for people to express their deeply held views and opinions. We understand that people may wish to make their voices heard and support the right of those who wish to demonstrate peacefully.
What does the EBU think about the fact that many people have said they will boycott Eurovision this year, because Israel is allowed to compete?
We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East but the Eurovision Song Contest’s values of universality, inclusivity and celebrating diversity through music have never been more important. Hundreds of millions around the world share those values and engaged with the event on television and online in 2023. We look forward to being “United By Music” again this year.
