Eurovision Bosses have expressed their 'regret' after an artist was seen wearing a pro-Palestinian symbol at the opening of tonight's semi-final.
The first semi-final of the 2024 competition took place tonight, including artists Bambi villain for Ireland, Ollie Alexander for Great Britain and Marcus & Martin for Sweden putting on breathtaking performances.
Former Swedish contestant Eric Saade was part of the show's opening act and performed his song Popular, which reached third place in 2011.
The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh on his arm, a symbol often used to show support Palestine in the middle of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamasdespite the Eurovision Song Contest being described as a 'non-political event'.
A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement: 'The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV programme.
“All artists are aware of the rules of the competition, and we regret that Eric Saade has chosen to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”
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Before the start of the event at the Malmö Arena, attendees had to pass through 'strict security checks' and were told not to bring any Palestinian flags, symbols or bags.
More to follow.
The semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The grand final airs on Saturday, May 11 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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