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Swedish Prosecutor Drops Case Against Joost Klein, Citing Lack of Evidence

The Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office has officially closed the investigation into Dutch Eurovision participant Joost Klein, citing insufficient evidence. This decision ends the legal uncertainty around Klein since his Eurovision 2024 disqualification, just hours before the Grand Final in Malmö.

The Incident and Its Fallout

Joost Klein, representing the Netherlands with his song “Europapa,” faced disqualification from Eurovision 2024 following an alleged confrontation with a Eurovision photographer. Early reports claimed that Klein struck the photographer’s camera in a way that was interpreted as threatening. This incident prompted the event organizers to swiftly disqualify him, a decision that stirred controversy and disappointment among his fans and the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS.

“I have closed the investigation today because I cannot prove that the action was aimed at provoking serious fear or that there was any such intent“, senior prosecutor Fredrik Jonsson said.

Reactions and the Road Ahead

For Joost Klein, the closure of the legal case allows him to move forward and refocus on his music career. Despite the challenges he faced, Klein remains a prominent figure in the Dutch music scene, known for his boundary-pushing creativity and distinctive style. His Eurovision experience, while marred by controversy, has only added to his public profile, and many are eager to see how he channels this experience into his future work.

Netherlands Expresses Disappointment Over Joost Klein’s Disqualification After Criminal Investigation Is Dropped

In a statement released shortly after the news broke, Dutch officials emphasized their long-held belief that the disqualification was unjust. The statement reads: “We have always said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate and so it now appears to be. We are still deeply disappointed that the Europa adventure of Joost Klein and of the entire Netherlands was brutally ended in this way.”

The Dutch delegation is now seeking a meeting with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to discuss the handling of the situation and to address the repercussions of the disqualification.

EBU releases a new statement on Joost Klein’s disqualification

“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“, adds Jean Philip De Tender (EBU Deputy Director General and Director of Media)

AVROTROS Issues Statement on Joost Klein’s Disqualification from Eurovision

AVROTROS has officially announced that it will not pursue legal action regarding the controversial disqualification of Joost Klein from the Eurovision Song Contest. The decision comes in response to an open letter from prominent lawyer Gerard Spong, who had questioned the legitimacy of the disqualification.

Spong described the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) stance as a “defamatory claim,” arguing that the organization continued to insist Klein had committed an act deserving of disqualification despite a lack of conclusive evidence, as noted by Swedish prosecutors. He suggested that AVROTROS could potentially file a defamation complaint against the EBU.

In its statement, AVROTROS emphasized that while they disagree with the EBU’s actions, they are focused on moving forward rather than seeking retribution. The broadcaster expressed hope that ongoing discussions with the EBU will restore confidence and pave the way for future participation in Eurovision.

“We cannot undo what has been done. We do not seek to become better or richer from it. We want things to be better not only for the Netherlands but also for other countries,” AVROTROS stated. They acknowledged that significant changes are needed for the Netherlands to consider returning to the competition next year, underscoring that the decision hinges on the outcomes of further conversations with the EBU.

The broadcaster remains committed to finding a resolution and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with the EBU to determine the future of their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision photographer chooses not to appeal Joost Klein case, prioritizes mental health.

According to a report by Aftonbladet, the photographer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, wants to leave the incident behind and focus on her well-being.

“My client wishes to prioritize her mental health,” her lawyer, Kristoffer Ståhl, told the newspaper. “She holds no grudge against Mr. Klein and firmly believes that violence should never be tolerated, regardless of adrenaline or heightened emotions.”

Throughout this process, the photographer has faced online threats and hateful messages. Her lawyer emphasized that she now wants to concentrate on her mental health and continue her professional career in photography.

You can listen to Joost Klein’s Eurovision song from last year here:

What do you think the EBU’s stance will be on this situation moving forward? Let us know in the comments.

🇨🇭 Switzerland 2025