Malmö may have crowned Switzerland’s Nemo in a historic victory, but for some delegations, the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest was more nightmare than dream. Lithuania’s Silvester Belt and Ireland’s Bambie Thug have lifted the lid on “traumatic” experiences they faced amidst the controversies surrounding Israel’s participation.
Silvester Belt’s Lithuania Caught in the Crossfire
After a strong showing in the first semi-final, Belt was ready to strut his stuff on the grand stage. However, the running order placed Lithuania directly after Israel, a nation whose presence at Eurovision was a lightning rod for protest. The expected anti-Israel sentiment in the crowd, evident during rehearsals, spilled over onto Lithuania. Belt took to social media, revealing the performance slot became a “punching bag” for Israel’s issues, turning his Eurovision dream into a “nightmare.”
Going after that country, with the crowd being so intense, was one of the worst things I had to go through, I really did the best that I could in this situation…traumatic experience, wish it all ended after the first semi 😓
— Silvester Belt (@SilvestrasBelte) May 12, 2024
Bambie Thug: Harassed and Silenced
Bambie Thug’s time in Malmö was a masterclass in the dark side of Eurovision. A pre-grand final incident forced them to miss their dress rehearsal, adding fuel to the fire. But worse was to come. Online videos exposed members of the Israeli delegation and journalists harassing other contestants, including Thug, and filming them without consent – a blatant violation of Swedish privacy laws.
This harassment extended to the commentary booth. During the Israeli semi-final broadcast, commentators belittled Thug, inciting viewers to hurl abuse at the singer. The Irish delegation lodged a complaint with the European Broadcasting Union, but no official sanction has emerged.
Furious at the EBU
Thug didn’t mince words when criticizing the EBU’s handling of the situation. In a fiery post-contest interview, they ripped into the organization for failing to protect contestants and upholding Eurovision’s core value of inclusivity. Highlighting the efforts of artists who fought for change behind the scenes, Thug celebrated Nemo’s win as a victory for LGBTQ+ visibility. But the EBU wasn’t spared their wrath.
“We are Eurovision. The EBU is not Eurovision. F*ck the EBU,” Bambie Thug declared. “It’s the contestants, the community that matters. We’re the ones making change with our love, power, and support. The world heard us. The queers are coming, and non-binaries are taking the crown!“
Bambie Thug speaks to media after placing sixth in the Eurovision Song Contest. They said they are proud of Nemo for winning as a non-binary person. They said it has been “so hard and so horrible” behind the scenes.
“The EBU is not what the Eurovision is. Fuck the EBU.” pic.twitter.com/829ggJTI9x
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) May 12, 2024
Beyond Chaos: A Sign of Hope?
Speaking to Sky News, Thug acknowledged the “total chaos” that defined Eurovision 2024. Yet, a glimmer of optimism shone through. They expressed deep appreciation for the supportive network of LGBTQ+ artists they found at the contest. More significantly, Thug pointed out that the top six acts (excluding one, presumably Israel) all championed themes of freedom. Could this be a sign of Eurovision shifting towards a more inclusive and empowering future?
The Fallout: A Call to Action
The experiences of Silvester Belt and Bambie Thug raise serious questions about Eurovision’s responsibility towards its participants. Should the EBU implement stricter measures to protect contestants from harassment and ensure a safe space for all? This year’s contest may have crowned a champion, but the shadow of controversy hangs heavy. The road ahead for Eurovision demands a serious conversation about protecting its artists and upholding the values it aims to represent.
