Irish Eurovision finalist says organisers blocked protest
Entrant forced to remove writing calling for ceasefire
THE first Irish Eurovision Song Contest finalist since 2018 has criticised organisers of the competition for asking them to alter a pro-Palestinian message.
Bambie Thug won a place in Saturday’s final with their song Doomsday Blue at the semi-final on Tuesday in Malmo, Sweden.
The Cork-born singer, 31, told a press conference they were forced to change their body paint in Ogham script – an early Medieval alphabet – which translated to “ceasefire” and “freedom”.
They said: “It was very important for me because I’m pro-justice and pro-peace. Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘crown the witch’ (which was an) order from the EBU.”
A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during press rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event.
“After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.”
Despite the stance from organisers, former Swedish Eurovision contestant and opening act Eric Saade wore a keffiyeh – a traditional headdress and common symbol of support for Palestine – during his performance.
The EBU said it “regrets” that Saade chose to wear the material and “chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.
He had previously appeared to hit out at the restrictions, questioning if freedom is “controversial” and why people keep asking if it is “political”.
Some fans have been calling for a ban on Israel amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
Organisers have stood by their decision not to exclude Israel from this year’s contest.
Its entry is singer Eden Golan, will sing a song called Hurricane. Her original track October Rain had to be dropped as its lyrics were widely interpreted as a reference to the attacks on October 7.
During the semi-final, UK entrant Olly Alexander marked the first time the UK performed at this stage with his first performance of Dizzy. The final will take place on Saturday at 8pm UK time.