Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein has been disqualified from competing in the contest’s Grand Finale following an incident with a female production crew member.
It comes after Klein, 26, was barred from participating in both dress rehearsals on Friday as organisers said they were investigating a complaint.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, clarified on Saturday that the incident had nothing to do with another Eurovision performer, after there was speculation it concerned Israel’s entrant Eden Golan.
In a statement, the EBU 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.
“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.”
This is a breaking news story and is being updated