A performer for Australia’s entry Electric Fields in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has revealed they paid homage to Palestine during the semi-finals.
Fred Leone, a Yidaki player who joined Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross on stage for their performance in Malmo, Sweden, said on Instagram a symbol of a watermelon on his chest was a pro-Palestinian message.
The fruit has become associated with Palestine because its colours match the state’s flag.
Sharing a picture of himself performing at the semi-finals, Fred wrote: ‘That’s a watermelon on my chest. From the river to the sea! 200 million people watched and celebrated while innocent children, mothers and fathers die by the thousands in a GENOCIDE.
‘I’m down with Jewish people. Israel is not Judaism. Israel doesn’t represent Jewish people. I am not down with fucking GENOCIDE. My Great Grand Father survived three massacres. Our families across so called Australia are the survivors of an on going genocide.
‘This was a personal decision. What comes of this no matter how detrimental to my career as an artist is solely dependant on those that hold the power. All my love to the children of Palestine. 🕊️❤️. You can disagree that’s fine but history will condemn you as [an idiot].’
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Fred is not the only musician who wore a pro-Palestinian symbol at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024’s semi-finals.
Former Swedish contestant Eric Saade was a part of the opening act of the show, singing his song Popular, with which he reached third place in 2011.
The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh on his arm, a symbol that is commonly used to demonstrate support towards Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
In a statement, the Eurovision’s organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said they ‘regretted’ that Eric ‘chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.’
As in previous years, the EBU has taken a strong stance against political messages at Eurovision and flags and symbols from non-competing countries.
Ahead of this year’s competition, Eurovision has faced calls for a boycott over the inclusion of Israel’s performer Eden Golan due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters descended on Malmo this week to condemn Isreal’s participation in the event, requiring a heavy police presence in the Swedish city.
Despite the demonstrations, Eden, 20, qualified for the grand final last night following a public vote.
The audience was heard booing and there were reportedly shouts of ‘Free Palestine’ during her performance of Hurricane, which was reworked from a previous track called October Rain as it was thought to reference the Hamas attacks on Israel.
Electric Fields missed out on a place in the grand final after performing their song One Milkali (One Blood). They did not receive enough votes to progress.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the EBU for comment.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Grand Final will be broadcast live on Saturday May 11 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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