Bambie Thug, Ireland’s competitor for Eurovision, stated they were instructed to erase the Ogham writing on their body which promoted a pro-Palestinian message, prior to the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
As a part of the stage outfit, Bambie features Ogham inscriptions across their face and legs. Portions of this script touched on the Gaza crisis, bearing messages reading ‘Ceasefire’ and ‘Freedom for Palestine’.
Making a statement at a press meeting in Malmo, Sweden after the semi-final, they shared that their original Ogham inscription had to be revised at the request of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
“The significance is immense for me, because I advocate for peace and justice. Regretfully, I was obliged to modify those sentiments today to only include ‘Crown the witch’, as per EBU’s instructions”, confessed the 31-year old artist.
Bambie Thug making it to the Eurovision finale inspired an outpouring of pride from the artist’s mother, who admitted it brought her to tears.
According to an EBU representative, the script visible on Bambie’s body during the dress rehearsals “was in violation of contest regulations which aim to ensure the apolitical character of the event”.
“After dialogues with the Irish team, a consensus was reached to alter the script for the live program”, they added.
This year’s Eurovision has sparked controversy due to Israel’s participation.
Just last month, over 400 Irish artists called on Bambie to avoid the event in a display of solidarity with Palestine. A letter hosted on the Ireland Palestine Solidarity campaign website argued that engaging in Eurovision equated to “siding with the tyrant”.
Responding via Instagram in March, Bambie said they acknowledged the demands for withdrawal from the contest but added that “pulling out now would result in one less advocate for Palestine at the contest.”
“I have always and will always stand with the disenfranchised, and will continue to use my platform to raise awareness and push for change”, they added.
This achievement has made Bambie, the creator of ‘Doomsday Blue’, the first Irish act to advance to the finale since 2018. The finale is scheduled for Saturday evening.
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