New Eurovision rules announced to ‘protect’ artists after controversies at competition
Eurovision Song Contest organisers have announced a new code of conduct and duty of care protocols to “protect” artists’ wellbeing after controversies at this year’s competition.
Ahead of the 2024 final in Malmo, Sweden, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the arena against Israel competing amid the war in the Middle East.
Some Eurovision acts also said they had received threats, and there was controversy around some making political statements ahead of the final.
Nemo, the Swiss entrant, was crowned the winner – but said after lifting the trophy that the experience had been “intense” and they were “really sad” it had not just been “all about love and unity”.
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How did Eurovision 2024 unfold?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) appointed an independent expert to review the contest.
Now, organisers have announced new measures for the 2025 event in Basel “to celebrate community and protect wellbeing”, which will include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and the introduction of a welfare producer “to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment”.
They said in a statement: “The EBU is introducing a new code of conduct and duty of care protocol to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all involved in the event.”
Agreeing to abide by the code of conduct will be a requirement for accreditation, organisers said.
“The duty of care protocol emphasises the shared responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress.”
Ireland’s Bambie Thug performing in the semi-final. Pic: Reuters
At the 2024 contest, the Israeli delegation was criticised by contestants including Ireland’s entrant Bambie Thug, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views.
They accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of a rule break, with claims of inciting “violence”.
Kan claimed it “faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, notably from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, solely because of the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there”.
Israel’s contestant Eden Golan told Sky News ahead of the event that her focus was on representing her nation with pride and “nothing else really affected” her, as protests took place outside.
Joost Klein, the Netherlands’ entrant, was disqualified. Pic: AP
There was also controversy surrounding the Netherlands’ entrant Joost Klein, who was disqualified after allegedly making verbal threats to a female production worker.
Klein’s criminal case was dropped by the Swedish Prosecution Authority in August.
Martin Green, the new Eurovision Song Contest director, who was appointed following this year’s controversies, said: “We are United by Music – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion.”
Read more:
Protests and an expulsion: The controversy at Malmo
Eurovision responds to complaints from contestants
Olly Alexander, the UK’s entrant, came 18th in the competition. Pic: AP
Earlier this year, the BBC announced that Sam Ryder’s manager David May is to head up the UK’s search for its next Eurovision contestant.
Olly Alexander, who took part this year, came 18th out of 25, with 46 points from judges – and “nul points” from the public vote.
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final is set to take place in St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, on 17 May.
Entertainment
Snoop Dogg becomes co-owner and investor of Swansea football club saying it’s ‘an underdog just like me’
Police are taking no further action over Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury.
Officers said they had investigated “comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance” at the festival on 28 June.
However, after Crown Prosecution Service advice, they decided there is not enough evidence “to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.
The Avon & Somerset force started investigating the Irish group’s show last month, as well as comments by punk-rap duo Bob Vylan.
It said they were looking at a possible public order incident.
Police said on Friday that the investigation into Bob Vylan’s performance was ongoing.
The London duo were widely criticised – and caused a BBC crisis – after leading on-stage chants of “death to the IDF” (Israel Defence Forces).
Kneecap’s Liam Og O Hannaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June. Pic: PA
Kneecap posted a photograph on Instagram, which the group said was an email from police announcing the case was being dropped.
They said their packed Glastonbury gig was a “celebration of love and solidarity” and reporting used “wildly misleading headlines”.
Fears over what Kneecap might do or say during the performance had prompted the BBC not to show it live.
The group said: “Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close… yet the police saw fit to publicly announce they were opening an investigation.”
“There is no public apology, they don’t send this to media or post it on police accounts,” they added.
The police statement on Friday said they had informed Kneecap of their decision to drop the case.
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One of the group’s members appeared in court in June charged with a terror offence.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year.
He was released on unconditional bail ahead of a second court appearance in August.
Entertainment
Tomorrowland: ‘Devastating’ blaze destroys main stage at major festival – two days before it was due to begin
A huge fire has destroyed the main stage of a major festival in Belgium – two days before it was due to begin.
Tomorrowland is a dance music event as big as Glastonbury – and David Guetta was due to perform.
Footage showed flames and thick plumes of black smoke engulfing the stage and spreading to nearby woodland on Wednesday.
The fire gutted the main stage
Fire crews attempt to bring the blaze under control
The annual festival in the town of Boom, north of Brussels, is one of the biggest in Europe and attracts about 400,000 people over two consecutive weekends.
It is famous for its immersive and elaborate designs and attracts big names within dance music – including Guetta, best known for tracks When Love Takes Over and Titanium.
Dutch DJs Martin Garrix and Charlotte de Witte were also due to perform, along with the likes of Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz and Alok.
Black smoke could be seen rising into the sky
The festival’s website described the creative elements which went into the elaborate main stage.
The theme, described as Orbyz, was “set in a magical universe made entirely out of ice” and “full of mythical creatures”.
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Organisers said no one was injured in the blaze but confirmed “our beloved main stage has been severely damaged”, adding they were “devastated”.
Spokesperson Debby Wilmsen added: “We received some truly terrible news today. A fire broke out on the Tomorrowland site … and our main stage was essentially destroyed there, which is truly awful.
“That’s a stage that took years to build, with so much love and passion. So I think a lot of people are devastated.”
Spokesperson Debby Wilmsen told reporters ‘a lot of people are devastated’
Despite the fire, Tomorrowland organisers said they were still expecting 38,000 festivalgoers at DreamVille, the event’s campsite.
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