The Eurovision Song Contest introduces a code of conduct to 'protect' artists

The Eurovision Song Contest has introduced an official code of conduct for the first time. The code of conduct has been put in place for all upcoming competitions after complaints arose surrounding this year's competition. The code of conduct has been published to the Eurovision website and will be mandatory participants abide by it from next year's competition in Basel, Switzerland.

The code of conduct will introduce no-film zones backstage, an increased number of closed door rehearsals and changes in scheduling which will ensure participants are well rested. They will also introduce a welfare officer which will be a point of contact for artists and their crews in the case that there are any issues.

Ireland’s representative Bambie Thug has been outspoken of their experience during the competition, making multiple complaints to the European Broadcasting Union. Bambie claimed the Israeli state broadcaster Kan made comments inciting violence against them. Bambie also claimed they were filmed backstage by members of the Israeli delegation.

There were also controversies surrounding the Netherlands representative Joost Klein, with claims he displayed threatening behaviour towards a female member of crew, resulting in Klein being disqualified hours before the grand final.

Read the full code of conduct here.