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Eurovision accused of refusing to boot Israel out of contest because it could lose prime sponsor
The European Broadcasting Union has insisted it will not remove Israel from the contest in Malmo, Sweden
EUROVISION has been accused of refusing to boot Israel out of this year’s contest because it could lose its prime sponsor, Moroccanoil.
The Sun can reveal the haircare brand manufactures its products in Israel and has stumped up millions of pounds to stage the contest each year since 2020.
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However, next month’s event is now facing a major during its conflict with Gaza.
One furious fan tweeted: “The problem w eurovision and israel is that moroccanoil (one of eurovisions biggest sponsors) is an israeli company so unfortunately theyre never gonna kick them out cuz they only care about money (sic).”
Another ranted on X: “Never let it be said, that Eurovision is not political, because no matter what the politics are, it all comes down to ££££.”
A representative for the EBU said: “The full list of participating broadcasters in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest was approved by the governing bodies of the European Broadcasting Union and has no connection with, or impact on, any pre-existing partnerships.”
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The European Broadcasting Union has insisted it will not remove Israel from the contest in Malmo, Sweden on May 11, stating that it is not a political event.
However, many have been angered by the decision due to Russia’s removal in 2022 after it invaded Ukraine.
The UK entry Olly Alexander, 33, is understood to have been left devastated after being targeted by protesters intent on persuading him to withdraw.
The Sun understands the BBC has offered him additional support amid the furore from pro-Palestine supporters.
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On Tuesday, Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the EBU, issued a statement calling for an end to the “abuse and harassment” of this year’s contestants, many of whom have been slammed online for not withdrawing from the contest in protest.
He said: “The European Broadcasting Union acknowledges the depth of feeling and the strong opinions that this year’s Eurovision Song Contest - set against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East - has provoked.
“The decision to include any broadcaster, including the Israeli’ broadcaster Kan, in the Eurovision Song Contest is the sole responsibility of the EBU’s governing bodies and not that of the individual artists.
“However, while we strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest.
“This is unacceptable and totally unfair, given the artists have no role in this decision.”
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