Music

Eurovision: Bambie Thug was asked to remove pro-Palestinian Ogham writing for performance

European Broadcasting Union says writing on artist’s body ‘contravened contest rules’

Bambie Thug performing the song Doomsday Blue on stage at the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final in Malmo, Sweden on Tuesday. Photograph: Jessica Gow/TT/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images

Shauna Bowers
Wed May 8 2024 - 14:34

Ireland’s Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug has said they were asked to remove pro-Palestinian messaging written in Ogham on their body before Tuesday night’s semi-final.

As part of their stage costume, Bambie had Ogham script written on their face and legs. Some of the writing was about the conflict in Gaza, with script spelling out “Ceasefire” and “Freedom for Palestine”.

Speaking at a press conference in Malmo, Sweden, after the semi-final, the artist said they changed the initial Ogham that they had written due to a request from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

“It was very important for me because I am pro-justice and pro-peace. Unfortunately I had to change those messages today to “Crown the witch” only, in order from the EBU,” the 31-year-old said.

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A spokeswoman for the 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.”

There has been controversy surrounding this year’s Eurovision, due to the inclusion of Israel in the competition.

Last month, more than 400 Irish artists called for Bambie to boycott the event in solidarity with Palestine. The letter, which was posted on the Ireland Palestine Solidarity campaign website, said participating in Eurovision would mean the artist is “standing with the oppressor”.

In a statement issued on Instagram in March, Bambie said they are 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,” they wrote.

The Doomsday Blue singer became the first Irish act to qualify for the final since 2018. The final will take place on Saturday evening.

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers

Shauna Bowers is Health Correspondent of The Irish Times

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