Zelensky denied opportunity to address Eurovision audience - media
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was barred from publicly addressing the Eurovision audience due to the position of the event’s organizer - the European Broadcasting Union - which claimed the speech could lead to the politicization of the song contest.
That’s according to The Times, Ukrinform reports.
The Union’s representative said Eurovision is an international entertainment show governed by “strict rules and principles” established since its inception, and one of the cornerstones of the contest is its non-political nature.
According to the official, this principle rules out political or similar statements within the event’s framework.
Zelensky's bid to address the Eurovision audience, whilst made with laudable intentions, cannot be granted, the official added, noting that this “would be against the rules.”
At the same time, the chair of the Lords Communications and Digital Committee, the former head of the BBC's political department, Baroness Tina Stovell, told the publication it was a wrong decision to deny Zelensky’s request, justifying the move by claiming the EBU does not support political statements.
Also, former Minister of Culture Lord Ed Vaizey believes that Zelensky should be allowed to speak at Eurovision, noting that the only reason the competition was being held in the UK was because of the war raging in Ukraine, and that it would be a good gesture to allow Zelensky to make a statement about why Ukraine found itself in this dramatic situation, having no opportunity to host ESC 2023.
The European Broadcasting Union, which has on board nearly 100 broadcasters, including the BBC, emphasized that it continues to support Ukraine during the contest by involving Ukrainian artists.
According to the Union, in total, at least 11 performers from Ukraine will perform at the event.
In addition, 37 Ukrainian locations are showcased in short videos that give the audience an idea about each of the artists ahead of their performance on stage.
The EBU believes this is the best way to show that music unites people in difficult times, according to the Union’s spokesperson.