Bambie Thug "ordered" by EBU to change pro-Palestine ogham makeup

Irish Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug says they were ordered by song contest organisers the European Broadcasting Union to change their stage make-up in advance of last night's semi-final, in keeping with the competition’s rules against political statements.

The artist says that they had written the words ‘Ceasefire’ and ‘Freedom for Palestine’ using the early medieval ogham alphabet.

The Cork singer said at a post show press conference: “It was very important to me because I am pro-justice and pro-peace. Unfortunately I had to change those messages today to ‘crown the witch’ only – an order from the EBU.”

A spokesperson 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."

Bambie Thug, who is representing Ireland with their original song 'Doomsday Blue' has come under pressure to pull out of this year's competition from pro-Palestine campaigners due to Israel participation as war rages on in Gaza.

However the artist has argued that it is more important than ever to have pro-Palestinian voices at this year's competition.

Elsewhere, the EBU earlier said they “regret” the fact that a singer who took part in the opening act made a political statement from the stage.

Former Swedish contestant Eric Saade, who was not competing, had a keffiyeh scarf, a commonly associated pro-Palestine symbol, on his arm as he performed his 2011 entry 'Popular'.

Saade's father is of Palestinian origin.

A spokesperson for the EBU said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show. All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

Demonstrations calling for Israel to be excluded are expected to be held in the Swedish city this week as the Eurovision final is hosted on Saturday May 11.