Eurovision entrant Joost Klein has revealed he won’t be participating in next year’s Song Contest because ‘it doesn’t feel good’.
The Dutch singer, 25, was disqualified during the 2024 competition hours before the Grand Final, which was won by Swiss act Nemo with song The Code.
He was alleged to have been involved in a backstage incident and accused of making verbal threats to a female production worker. A subsequent investigation resulted in police not pressing charges.
At the time, Dutch broadcasters issued a statement describing Joost’s punishment as ‘disproportionate’ and that his desire to not be filmed ‘wasn’t respected’.
Though police did not press charges and the investigation was dropped, Joost has now confirmed he won’t be taking part in the next Song Contest and needs ‘more time to heal’.
Taking to Instagram with a statement, he wrote: ‘I’ve made the decision to NOT participate in Eurovision 2025.
‘My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn’t feel good.
‘I am very thankful for all the love around the world, however I am still very affected by this year.
‘I need to give myself more time to heal.
‘It was my dream to do Eurovision and we did that.
‘For months I had this feeling that I needed to make a return to finish the job.
‘But in reality: we reached a higher goal. Europapa united a lot of people.
‘This story is not just about me, it’s about us. I’m grateful.’
Joost continued: ‘People from all around the world are trying to learn Dutch and this makes me very proud of my language.
‘We achieved something previously claimed to be impossible. We used the real power of the Internet.
‘So maybe I was blinded, but now I see clear. I have to follow the light. Not fight against it.’
The singer went on: ‘My path is different and I welcome anybody who would like to join this adventure. Trust the process.’
Joost said he believes one of his purposes in life is to use music and art to connect people, and that he can’t wait to share new music on his sold-out Europe and USA tours.
‘Let’s all come together. This life is crazy, but just know… I’m still standing.’
Joost was showered in support from followers, with @tantubeats saying: ’12 points go to,’ while @indyvancauwenberg wrote: ‘LOVE ALWAYS WINS.’
‘You already won brother,’ @appiemussa wrote.
Following the investigation over the ‘backstage incident’, after police confirmed they would not be pressing charges, Joost spoke of his relief over the ending of a ‘terrible’ few months.
The Swedish prosecution authority said in August that they were closing the investigation because officers could not prove Joost caused or intended to cause fear.
The probe concluded that Joost ‘made a movement that hit the woman’s film camera’ but ‘the course of events was fast and was perceived differently by the witnesses of the incident.’
Joost later said he had felt ‘insecure’ since being barred from the Eurovision and urged everyone to ‘support each other.’
He said: ‘The last couple of months were terrible. Even though I love to perform anywhere around the world, something didn’t feel right. Why did we have to wait so long for an answer?
‘Everyday I felt insecure whilst I knew the truth. There is no case against me, because there never was a case.
‘We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should ALL come together. Companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield. A village against the city…
‘Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN THOUGH I LOST ALL HOPE WE BACK NOW BABY!!! ALBUM MODE!!!!!!!’
EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media Jean Philip De Tender also addressed the investigations closers and explained why the body had made the decision to bar Joost.
He said: ‘The EBU aims to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest is a show for everyone and is a safe place for staff, artists, guests and fans.
‘Like all responsible employers, we do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will always respond to any workplace issues that are reported to us.
‘The decision to disqualify Mr Klein from this year’s event was made in strict accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules and governance procedures, after an internal investigation.
‘In parallel, Swedish police decided to open a formal investigation into the conduct of Mr Klein during the Second Semi Final, which we understand was closed today without further action.
‘This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed and not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached ESC rules and procedures. This new development therefore does not have any impact on our decision which we stand by completely.’
The Song Contest was shrouded in controversy, with fans threatening to boycott and urging artists such as Years & Years singer Olly and Ireland’s Bambie Thug to do the same, over Israel’s participation in the competition amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Joost had previously voiced his discomfort over the inclusion of Israel during a press conference, when Eden Golan was asked: ‘Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?’
When the moderator told Golan she did not have to answer the question, Joost called across: ‘Why not?’
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