Joost Klein, the Netherlands' representative at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, has missed today's dress rehearsals for the final following reports of "an incident".
The 26-year-old qualified for the final during last night's second semi-final with his song 'Europapa' and was assigned fifth place in the running order on Saturday night, directly before Israel's Eden Golan.
Israel's participation in the contest this year remains highly contentious due to the current conflict on the Gaza strip, with protests around the Malmo venue causing havoc with transportation for delegates and audience-goers.
While there is no suggestion or official confirmation that Klein's apparent suspension from rehearsals is related to Israel's participation, he did raise eyebrows in a press conference on Thursday night when Golan was asked by a reporter if she believed that her presence presented a security risk for her fellow acts.
A Eurovision press officer intervened to say that she did not have to answer the question, prompting Klein to remark: "Why not?"
A statement from Eurovision said: "We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course."
The Dutch delegation have yet to comment on the developing situation.
Neil Wilkes
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