Eurovision organizers have taken a bold stand against online attacks on their artists after deciding to allow Israel to compete this year amid their ongoing war against Gaza.
Boycotts and calls for withdrawal have since been launched on social media, particularly asking UK's contestant, Olly Alexander, who has since rejected it.
Eurovision Organizers Slammed Artists' Harassment'
In a statement issued by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), EBU Deputy Director General Jean Philip De Tender acknowledged the "depth of feeling and the strong opinions" against the current war in the Middle East.
"We understand that people will want to engage in debate and express their deeply held views on this matter. We have all been affected by the images, stories and the unquestionable pain suffered by those in Israel and in Gaza," he said in a statement.
De Tender addressed the "targeted social media campaigns" against participating artists in Eurovision. He explained that the decision to include any broadcaster, including Israel's Kan, in the Eurovision Contest is the "sole responsibility" of the EBU and not the participating artist.
"These artists come to Eurovision to share their music, culture, and the universal message of unity through the language of music," De Tender added.
Eurovision reiterated that they had previously elaborated their reasoning for including Kan and their difference from previous participants who were excluded from the competition.
In 2022, Russia was barred from competing in Eurovision because of its ongoing war at the time against Ukraine. The latter won the year with Kalush Orchestra's "Stefania." Now, protesters are saying that Israel should not be allowed this year because of their ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
"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," the statement read.
Olly Alexander Rejected Calls For Boycott
Queers for Palestine wrote to Alexander urging him to boycott Eurovision following their decision to allow Israel to participate.
However, Alexander rejected the calls to boycott in a statement. He acknowledged the "privilege" of joining Eurovision and revealed that he, along with others, "do not feel comfortable being silent." (via The Independent)
"It it important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages. We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia," he said.
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