Over 400 Irish artists have addressed an open letter to Bambie Thug, calling for them to boycott the Eurovision song contest over Israel’s participation. Among them is Erica Cody, who was in the running to be this year’s Eurovision entrant. Other signatories include CHERYM, Clare Sands, Somebody's Child, The Mary Wallopers' Charles Hendy, Mary Coughlan, Róisín O and more.

The letter follows a petition addressed to RTE’s Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, to withdraw Ireland’s participation, which has already been signed by over 16,000 members of the Irish public.

Directly addressing Bambie Thug, the artists wrote: “While you say ‘My heart and solidarity has and will always lie with the oppressed’ – by participating in Eurovision you will be standing with the oppressor. Palestinians have called for artists to withdraw from the contest, and if your wish to stand in solidarity is sincere, then you should listen to them.”

 

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"Israeli president Isaac Herzog has said, 'it’s important for Israel to appear in Eurovision.’ It is clear that the Israeli state views Eurovision as an opportunity to cover up its genocidal crimes against the Palestinian people," the letter reads, "and we really hope that you refuse to be part of that by withdrawing, an act that would be powerful and would resonate with millions.”

The call for Bambie Thug to boycott Eurovision comes a month after all programmed Irish artists made the decision to boycott Austin’s SXSW festival due to its connection with the US army and weapon suppliers amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Finishing off the letter, the artists wrote: “History will celebrate you if you withdraw from Eurovision 2024. We urge you to do the right thing.”