Eurovision star axed from competition hours before the show as ‘cops investigate complaint by female crew member’
CONTROVERSIAL Dutch Eurovision act Joost Klein has been axed from the competition tonight as police investigate an "incident" reported by a female member of the production crew.
The decision has been made to boot the Dutchman who was set to take part in Malmo, Sweden, following multiple complaints.
A statement from Eurovision shared hours before the competition said: "The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
"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.
"While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
"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.
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"We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
"In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
"The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs."
Swedish TV network STV reports that the singer allegedly shoved a photographer, though this hasn't been verified.
The former YouTuber is already a star in the Netherlands and was due to perform song Europapa with an EU flag.
He is mostly a hip hop artist who raps and samples electronic music.
It was first reported Joost was "pulled" from Eurovision rehearsals on Friday May 10 after an "incident" was reported to Eurovision organisers.
Klein also faced a backlash for his treatment of Israeli entry Eden Golan and was at the heart of "bullying" claims.
Olly Alexander will be representing Great Britain at the annual contest tonight.