The Eurovision Song Contest has been plagued by controversy over Israel’s participation in the annual event, with many calling for them to exclude them
The Eurovision Song Contest has been criticised after it reportedly covered the sounds of the audience booing controversial entrant Yuval Raphael’s performance for Israel by adding fake applause. It has been said that the competition’s bosses drowned out the sounds of booing when she performed New Day Will Rise for a rehearsal on Friday night.
The singing competition has been plagued by controversy over Israel’s participation in the annual event. Just last week, over 70 past Eurovision stars penned a letter demanding that the contest chiefs exclude Israel amid the country’s ongoing bombardment of Palestine, which is seeing Palestinians starving to death due to a blockade of aid.
Earlier this month, Israel announced plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip and drive hundreds of thousands into the South. Meanwhile, Palestinians are starving to death amid a two-month aid block.
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All food, water, medical aid and shelter supplies into the Strip have been blocked since early March amid growing fears that 65,000 children are suffering from severe malnutrition.
Protests have also taken place in the host city of Basel following Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, which has been named a genocide by Amnesty International.
Reports suggest that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with more than a third being under 18.
Fans shared their annoyance at Israel’s performances being drowned out or dubbed with cheers in posts shared on Twitter/X.
One fan posted: “I have a huge issue with the EBU silencing the booing during Israel’s performance and adding fake cheers to make it sound like there’s a positive reception from the audience.
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“EBU is a public service broadcaster whose purpose is to serve the public, not to silence them.”
Another fan argued: “Why do you mute the audience’s boos and replace them with fake applause effects? Where are your ethical values?”
Former Eurovision acts have demanded that Israel not be allowed to compete over the country’s “genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people.”
The letter, published on Artists For Palestine, was signed by former winners Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan and Portugal’s Fernando Tordo, as well as British singer Mae Muller and French singer La Zarra. It was also signed by two of last year’s competitors Ásdís María and GÅTE.
On Thursday’s semi-final, footage picked up boos from the audience when Israel’s entry appeared on screen.
The boos were more audible on social media footage of the performance. Despite the protests and calls for Israel to not be allowed in the final, Yuval secured her spot following the public vote.
The Mirror have reached out to Eurovision for comment.
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