Eurovision organisers defend ousting Joost from contest

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Dutch broadcaster Avatros said it was “very disappointed and upset for the millions of fans who were excited” about seeing the Netherlands entry.

Many fans had also taken to social media to voice their dismay.

The latest statement from the EBU follows a turbulent Eurovision season, which culminated with Switzerland’s Nemo picking up the coveted winners’ trophy in Sweden on Saturday.

On Monday, the EBU issued another statement, responding to complaints of bad behaviour during the competition’s run.

The organisers said they “regret” that some delegations “didn’t respect the spirit of the rules” in Sweden.

Italy’s Angelina Mango and Ireland’s Bambie Thug were among the contestants who complained of a “tense” and “horrible” atmosphere backstage.

The EBU said it would review events in Sweden’s Malmo, adding that individual cases would be discussed at a later date.

Portugal’s national broadcaster RTP also complained to the EBU after there was a delay in posting its performance to YouTube after the final.

The EBU responded that the delay had been due to their contestant, Iolanda, who had painted designs inspired by the keffiyeh – traditional Palestinian scarves used to show support for the country – on her nails.