OLLY ALEXANDER ISSUES STATEMENT AS HE'S CALLED TO WITHDRAW FROM EUROVISION OVER ISRAEL BOYCOTT

Olly Alexander has addressed calls for him to withdraw from this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Queers For Palestine issued an open letter addressed to the U.K Eurovision entry earlier this month, amid a planned cultural boycott of the music competition due to Israel's inclusion in the contest. Olly, who last year signed open letter from Voices4London demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has been accused of being involved in 'pinkwashing'.

More than 450 queer artists, individuals and organisations called upon Olly to give up his place on Eurovision over the inclusion of Israel. Actress Maxine Peake and Drag artist Crystal were among those to sign their names to the open letter. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS), a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality, recently added the Eurovision Song Contest to the official boycott list amid Israel's continued attacks on Palestine.

Part of Queers For Palestine's statement reads: "There can be no party with a state committing apartheid and genocide. At a time when accountability is so urgently needed, Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision would enable and cover up its war crimes and crimes against humanity."

Following the call for boycott, Olly took to social media to respond by issuing a joint statement with eight other Eurovision acts who united in saying "we do not feel comfortable being silent". The collective statement reads "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."

In a post shared to Queers For Palestine's social media accounts on Thursday, Olly was called "to withdraw from @eurovision because of the inclusion of apartheid Israel, despite its ongoing genocidal assault on Palestinians in Gaza." The full open letter to Olly reads: "BREAKING: An open letter to @ollyalexanderr.

"More than 450 queer artists, individuals and organisations are calling on Olly Alexander to withdraw from @eurovision because of the inclusion of apartheid Israel, despite its ongoing genocidal assault on Palestinians in Gaza. To read the letter, see the full list of signatories or to sign yourself, go to the link in our bio.

"The signatories have said: 'We share the vision of queer joy and abundance you’ve offered through your music, and share your belief in collective liberation for all. In this spirit, we ask you to heed the Palestinian call to withdraw from Eurovision... There can be no party with a state committing apartheid and genocide.'

"At a time when accountability is so urgently needed, Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision would enable and cover up its war crimes and crimes against humanity. Understanding the propaganda value of its participation in the contest to artwash its ongoing genocide, Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, stated ‘it’s important for Israel to appear in Eurovision.’”

"Signees include ACT UP, Adam Bakri, ARIES MOROSS, Body Movements, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Chardine Taylor-Stone, Crystal, Dan Glass, Elias Jahshan, Felix Mufti, Fredrik Andersson, Ghadir Shafie, Goat Girl, H Sinno, Indya Moore, Jamie Windust, Jason Okundaye, Jay Bernard, Joel Kim Booster, Little Gay Brother, Liv Wynter, Maxine Peake, Mikaela Loach, Planningtorock, Rivkah Reyes, Sarah Schulman, The Bitten Peach, The Outside Project. #BoycottEurovision2024 #EurovisionSongContest #Eurovision #ESC #Eurovision2024."

Israel being on the list of countries for Eurovision 2024 has caused controversy over recent weeks, following Israel's relentless attacks on Palestine. Lots of long-time fans of the music contest are asking why Israel hasn't been kicked out like Russia was in 2022, after Russian leader Vladimir Putin invaded neighbouring country Ukraine.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on 7th October and took hostages, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been injured, meaning that over 100,000 people have now been killed or injured in the six months of Israel's offensive. At least a further 7000 are estimated to lie dead beneath the rubble.

Even though Israel isn't in Europe, it's been allowed to take part because the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Israel, located in the Middle East, first took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973 and has won twice since then. The governing body, the EBU, has said it has no plans to ban Israel from the contest.

In a statement issued earlier this year, the EBU said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition for public broadcasters from all over Europe and the Middle East. It is a contest for broadcasters not for governments and the Israeli public broadcaster has been participating in the contest for 50 years."

"The EBU is a member-led organisation. The EBU's governing bodies led by the Board of Directors represent the members. These bodies assessed the list of participants and decided that the Israeli public broadcaster complies with all competition rules. Together with 36 other broadcasters, it will be able to participate in the competition next year." The EBU added: "At the moment, there is an inclusive attitude towards Israeli participants in major competitions. The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event, uniting audiences worldwide through music."

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2024-03-29T11:31:58Z dg43tfdfdgfd