Dutch artist Joost Klein was kicked out of the Eurovision 2024 competition hours before the final due to a backstage incident. The EBU launched an investigation and Swedish police confirmed they were probing “unlawful threats” made after the semi-final. The EBU deemed Klein’s behavior in violation of contest rules, leading to his withdrawal from the grand final. In a statement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros denounced Klein’s exclusion as ‘disproportionate.’ Klein was among the favorites to win with his song ‘Europapa,’ dedicated to his late father. His exclusion left 25 acts in the grand final instead of the planned 26. Dutch viewers can still vote, and the Dutch jury’s decision from Friday’s second dress rehearsal remains valid.