Dutch Eurovision entry axed from contest after ‘incident’ with female production crew member

MALMO, Sweden — Dutch artist Joost Klein was expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest following a complaint made by a female member of the production crew, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, says in a statement.

The EBU says it was investigating an incident involving Klein, 26, whose quirky song “Europapa” had originally made him one of the favorites ahead of tonight’s final.

“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,” the EBU adds, an apparent reference to false allegations that the incident had involved the Israeli delegation.

“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,” the EBU says. “While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for [Klein] to continue in the Contest.”

“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest,” the organizers say. “In light of this, Joost Klein’s behavior towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”