Bambie Thug reveals order by EBU to remove pro-Palestine messages from costume at last minute
The performer has faced severe criticism over their decision to take part in this year's Eurovision Song Contest following calls to boycott over Israel's participation
Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug revealed on Tuesday night that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ordered them to remove a pro-Palestinian message from their act at the last minute.
Bambie stormed into Saturday's final to become Ireland's first act to do so since 2018 when Ryan O'Shaughnessy represented the nation in Lisbon, Portugal with his song Together, ultimately finishing a respectable 16th.
Earlier on Tuesday, Bambie was touted as the fifth favourite to win the competition outright following a whirlwind month which saw them float around outside the top 10 before breaking in and becoming one of the prime favourites.
Read More: Social media reacts after Bambie Thug blows roof off Eurovision semi-final
The build-up to this year's Eurovision Song Contest has been marred by the controversy surrounding Israel's inclusion in the event in the competition following seven months of Israeli bombardment of Gaza which has seen over 34,000 Palestinians killed.
Bambie had been facing significant backlash from many corners of Irish society. Last month, a letter was signed by 400 Irish musicians artists, dancers, writers and poets calling for Bambie to "heed the call from Palestinians to boycott the competition".
In the press conference after their semi-final success, Bambie was questioned by a Swedish reporter about their decision not to follow through with messages written on their face and leg in Ogham writing which read "Ceasefire" and "Freedom for Palestine".
Bambie responded, claiming they are "pro-justice" and "pro-peace" before explainaing their decision. "Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to 'Crown the witch' only in order from the EBU," they said.
Their explanation was met with applause by several members of the press crew.
A spokeswoman for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: "The writing seen on Bambie Thug's body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event.
"After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show."
Social media users have been commenting on the news breaking on Tuesday night, with many highly critical of the EBU's order to Bambie. One user wrote: "Very intense but very relevant question answered by Bambie really really well. EBU are you not ashamed?"
Another expressed her anxiety surrounding potential repurcussions for Bambie's display: "Hope I'm just overdramatic but now I'm really scared that EBU might disqualify or at least sabotage Bambie Thug for exposing them about the ceasefire symbols... really hope I'm wrong tho."
A third rallied: "It’s okay, EBU, you can keep sabotaging us and put us in the death spot Saturday, but Bambie will BREAK THAT CURSE with their performance."
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