STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Eurovision Song Contest, Swedish singer Eric Saade stirred controversy by making a political statement during his performance. Saade, who opened the semi-final contest on Tuesday night, wore a pro-Palestinian scarf, violating the event’s ban on political symbols.
The gesture sparked intense debate and overshadowed the evening’s festivities, which saw Ukraine and Croatia advancing to the finals.
The participation of Israel in the contest has been a point of contention, with critics citing concerns over humanitarian conditions in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Saade, whose father hails from Palestinian descent, used his platform to express solidarity with Palestine, donning a keffiyeh scarf—a symbol associated with the Palestinian cause.
Both Swedish broadcaster SVT and the European Broadcasting Union, the main organisers of Eurovision, swiftly condemned Saade’s actions. SVT’s executive producer for the contest, Ebba Adielsson, expressed regret over Saade’s decision to use his participation in such a manner.
While other acts in the contest have hinted at political sentiments, they were instructed not to incorporate explicit political messages into their performances. However, Saade’s bold statement defied these guidelines, sparking discussions about the role of politics in the entertainment industry and the boundaries of artistic expression.
The controversy comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding the event, particularly for Israeli participants. Reports suggest that Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan, has been advised to remain in her hotel room in Malmo due to security fears.
The incident has also prompted calls for demonstrations calling for Israel’s exclusion from the contest, with protests expected to take place in Malmo. Despite the controversy, the show must go on, with qualifiers such as Ukrainians Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil and Croatia’s Baby Lasagna gearing up for the finals.
As the Eurovision Song Contest progresses, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between art, politics, and international relations on the global stage.
