Bambie Thug lambasts the European Broadcasting Union for not supporting them in Israel row

Shortly after Saturday night's Eurovision Song Contest final, Bambie Thug eviscerated Eurovision organisers for not supporting them in row over Israel.

Ahead of the Grand Final in Stockholm last weekend, Bambie Thug accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break and said they were waiting to hear back from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about what action would be taken.

Speaking candidly at a press conference afterwards, Bambie Thug said: "So now that I’m free. I can talk about everything right?

"We brought it [rule break] up to the EBU. They said they would follow up.

"They waited to the last minute, we still haven’t gotten a statement back to us, [they] allowed us to be scapegoats, allowed us to be the spokesperson for standing up for ourselves.

"And yeah, the broadcaster [Kan] has disobeyed the rules and I hope next year they won’t be able to compete because of that.

"And behind the scenes, you don’t know the amount of pressure and the amount of work that we have been doing to change things and I’m so proud for Nemo for winning,

"I’m so proud that all of us are in the top 10 that have been fighting for this shit behind the scenes. Because it’s been so hard and I’m so proud of us.

"I just want to say we are what Eurovision is, the EBU is not what the Eurovision is, the EBU is what makes this, fuck them, the EBU I don’t even care anymore."

An hour before the final kicked off at the Malmö Arena on Saturday, Bambie said in an Instagram story: "I have raised multiple complaints to the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) regarding instances I have experienced this week.

"Earlier today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that Kan's commentator had broken the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.

"I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break.

"I have since seen a statement by EBU director-general Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation.

"I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU. I hope to see you on the stage tonight."

The non binary artist also shared that they and their team cried when Israel's Eden Golan qualified for this year's final:

“I cried with my team.” Ireland 🇮🇪 Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug is asked how they felt when Israel qualified for the #EUROVISION final. pic.twitter.com/wE1F8xeU7E

— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 10, 2024

Bambie Thug was Ireland's first Eurovision entrant to make it to the final since 2018. The Macroom artist finished sixth place overall, marking Ireland's best performance at the contest since the year 2000.

Sharing the news on social media, Bambie said: "Beyond proud of myself. Finished 6th Jury vote, 6th televote and 6th overall". Several commentators have noted that it's appropriate that the artist's performance, which features witchcraft and pagan symbols would be awarded 6 6 6.

Israel's Eden Golan finished in 5th place in spite of reaching only 52 points form the Jury. The country jumped from 12th to 5th place after receiving a whopping 325 points from the popular vote.

Speaking on Saturday night's result, the Irish artist said: "The top six minus one were all freedom fighters and I adore all of us".