Ireland’s entrant for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Bambie Thug, has rejected calls that they should boycott the competition over the inclusion of Israel.
The Cork-born musician said they were aware of calls for Ireland to withdraw but they feel they will be a pro-Palestinian voice at the contest.
In a Friday post, Bambie Thug shared a statement alongside UK hopeful Olly Alexander and the Danish entrant Saba – setting out why they will remain in the competition.
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It said: “We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision.
“In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable being silent.
“It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages. We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.
“We feel that it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.”
The statement was also signed by Norway’s Gate, Portugal’s Iolanda, San Marino’s band Megara, Switzerland’s Nemo, Lithuanian singer Silvester Belt and Finland’s Windows95Man/Teemu Keisteri.
In addition to the statement shared on social media, Bambie said they would be a pro-Palestinian voice at Eurovision.
“Personally, I want to emphasise that my stance on double standards remains firm. As an Irish person with a shared history of occupation and a queer individual, I cannot and will not remain silent,” said the Macroom native.
“I am aware of the calls to withdraw, but stepping back now would mean one less pro-Palestinian voice at the contest. My heart and solidarity has and always will lie with the oppressed, and I remain committed to supporting and using my platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.”
In March, Israel unveiled its new entry as Hurricane, performed by singer Eden Golan, following the country facing a push back to the lyrics of their previous song.
Her original track, October Rain, caused controversy as the lyrics were thought to reference the Hamas attacks of October 7th.
In response to the statement, Eurovision organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “We understand that these artists wish to make their voices heard in a call for peace.
“All of us working on this year’s Eurovision Song Contest are mindful of the strong feelings and opinions surrounding the current conflict in the Middle East.
“We have all been impacted by the images, stories and the unquestionable pain suffered by those caught up in this devastating war.
“We firmly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest is a platform that should always transcend politics, promote togetherness and bring audiences together across the world.
“We too believe in the unifying power of music which is encapsulated in our permanent slogan – ‘United By Music’.”
The first Eurovision semi-final takes place Tuesday, May 7th in Malmö, Sweden, and Bambie Thug will perform fourth. Israel will perform during the second semi-final on May 9th. The final takes place on May 11th.
