Bambie Thug responds to calls for Ireland to boycott Eurovision over ...
Ireland’s Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug has reacted to calls for Ireland to withdraw from the competition over the inclusion of Israel amid the war in Gaza.
Bambie, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, released a collective statement with eight other Eurovision entrants, including the UK’s Olly Alexander, who all described the privilege of representing their countries and the discomfort they feel over Israel’s place in the contest.
“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,” the statement says.
“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.”
The collective artists said they will remain in the competition to “foster meaningful conversations and connections”.
“We firmly believe in the unifying power of music,” they said, adding: “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.”
Irish Eurovision hopeful Bambie Thug. Picture: Lily LyttonIn addition to the statement shared on social media, Bambie said they are aware of calls for Ireland to withdraw from the content but they feel they will be a pro-Palestinian voice at the 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.”
Russia was excluded from participating in the contest in 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to the Irish Examiner in January, the Cork singer said there should not be one rule for Russia and another for Israel.
“When things were going on with Ukraine, Russia wasn’t allowed to enter,” they said, “so I don’t think there should be a rule for one and a different for another.”
Israel's performer Eden Golan will sing 'Hurricane' — originally titled 'October Rain' — at this year's Eurovision. Some believe the song references the victims of Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel. As the Eurovision rules ban political statements, the track was scrutinised and deemed eligible to compete.
“The Contest’s Reference Group, its governing board, made the decision to accept the song ‘Hurricane’ for the upcoming competition after careful scrutiny of the lyrics,” a spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union said.
“It was agreed that ‘Hurricane’ met the necessary criteria for participation in accordance with the rules of the competition.”
The first Eurovision semi-final takes place Tuesday, May 7 in Malmo, and Bambie Thug will perform fourth. Israel will perform during the second semi-final on May 9. The final takes place on May 11.
