Spain risks huge Eurovision fine after ignoring warnings as broadcaster airs statement
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Spanish broadcasters have taken a bold stand at the Eurovision Song Contest, facing potential hefty fines after defying warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Spanish hopeful Melody entered the contest with an energetic number, resonating with audiences throughout the continent.
Yet, despite its popularity, Spanish networks overlooked cautions from the EBU. A black screen showing white text in both Spanish and English heralded the final, stating: "When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and Justice for Palestine."
This powerful interlude lasted 16 seconds on air.
READ MORE - Prince Harry said he was 'lucky' at the altar - but Meghan's reply was surprising
READ MORE - BBC The One Show host Alex Jones opens up on husband's devastating health battle
The transmission on RTVE, Spain's counterpart to BBC, made waves after also being posted on Twitter/X. The message swiftly caught fire among social media circles.
Controversy sparked from the get-go as pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered to protest Israel's participation in the event. The subsequent storm brewed around Israel's act, reports the Mirror.
(Image: X)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
(Image: AP)
The artist representing Israel received a polarising reaction from those present. After Yuval Raphael expressed gratitude to the audience post-performance, UK commentator Graham Norton didn't miss the chance to take a playful dig at Switzerland and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Comedian Graham gave a candid insight to UK viewers, saying: "I'm not sure what you're hearing at home, but it was a mixed response."
This forthright comment followed allegations that the Eurovision Song Contest had masked the sound of audience boos directed at a contentious participant by overlaying artificial applause.
Stay tuned with our live blog for all things Eurovision Song Contest.
Allegations have surfaced that the contest's organisers attempted to suppress the booing from the crowd in the arena. This controversy emerged after the rehearsal performance of 'New Day Will Rise' on Friday night.
A statement was issued concerning the manipulation of crowd noise, stating: "For the Eurovision Song Contest, the host broadcaster SRG SSR is working with the 'audio sweetening' method, which is common practice for major international productions."
The statement further explained: "This process helps to harmonise the sound of the transitions between moderations, video clips and the individual acts and to create a consistent soundscape for the TV audience. It is used exclusively for the technical rounding off of the programme."
It also clarified: "This process is used equally and identically for all acts. The competition and its results are not affected in any way."
Viewers at home didn't hesitate to hop onto social media to discuss the varied reactions following the broadcast.
There was an attempt to disrupt the Israeli performance at the arena, with two individuals making a dash for the stage, according to the organisers. A spokesperson for SRG SSR disclosed: "At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage.
"They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
James Argent parties with Towie pals at Tommy and Georgia's Majorca wedding after ex Nicoline broke silence on attack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAMES Argent partied with his Towie pals at Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou's Majorca wedding. Just weeks after after beauty queen Nicoline Artusson, 32, released a bombshell statement revealing shocking details about James' attack on her. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 James Argent parties with his Towie pals at Tommy and Georgia's Majorca wedding Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 James posing with his pal Dan Edgar Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 Ncoline Artursson recently broke her silence on James' attack on her Credit: Splash But Towie alum James, 37, seemed unbothered as he posted happy snaps from his pals lavish ceremony, showing him loving life. James turned on model Nicoline while they were at their home in Spain last month. He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. James was handed a six month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Nicoline. But despite Nicoline's powerful statement about the incident, James appeared to be dancing the night away at the wedding. Dressed in white trousers and shirt with a baby blue blazer, the reality star looked happy as he posed alongside Georgia and groom Tommy. He also posted snaps with pro boxer Conor Benn, and his former Towie co-stars Chloe Lewis and Dan Edgar. James captioned the snaps: "My Best Friend's Wedding Congratulations to @georgiakousoulou and @iamtommyfordham." "I'll never forget us all being in Ibiza over 10 years ago, when you first got together. I knew back then you were destined for each other. "You've stuck by each other's side through thick & thin. Tommy always said I would sing at their wedding one day & it happened. Shameless Arg dances with pal Megan McKenna at her wedding after assault arrest "I had so much fun being your Master Of Ceremonies too, You've both always supported me. "I can't wait to make many more memories together as we get older, I love you both so much." Georgia and Tommy Mallett put on a lavish event on the Spanish island of Mallorca which also marked Georgia's 34th birthday. They first tied the knot in 2023 in an understated ceremony, but finally got to have their "dream wedding." Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night 0808 2000 247 Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. "Our Dream wedding finally happened," they posted to Instagram alongside two photos from their outdoor ceremony. "Best day of our lives. Surrounded by so much love. Can not wait to get all of our pictures & videos back to show you how incredible it was & you'll be able to watch it all." Georgia looked stunning in an embellished white gown complete with a thigh-high split and which she paired with a strappy pair of silver stilletos. Tommy opted for a sand coloured suit and open white shirt for his big days. They married at an opulent Spanish villa and said 'I do' under a canopy of red flowers. The couple's two children, Brody, four, and Gigi, seven months were in attendance as were plenty of their Towie friends. Some of the other reality stars to be at their nuptials included, Chloe Ross, Sam Mucklow and Danielle Armstrong. 6 James posing with Tommy and Georgia at their Majorca wedding Credit: Instagram / real_arg 6 James shared a post of him with his pal Chloe Lewis Credit: Instagram / real_arg
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Noel Edmonds and what he's really like off-camera, revealed by co-worker
Noel Edmonds and what he's really like off-camera, revealed by co-worker Noel Edmonds' friend and co-star Julie has revealed what the TV favourite is really like off-screen and how he's settled in to life in New Zealand since he moved there in 2019 Noel Edmonds had worked with British expat Julie on his River Haven ineyard (Image: Julie Crook ) A woman who worked alongside Noel Edmonds at his River Haven estate in Ngatimoti, New Zealand, has shared her insight into the television personality's off-screen nature. Following his departure from I'm A Celebrity in 2019, Edmonds relocated to New Zealand, where he purchased the £15m River Haven property. This estate comprises 12 properties, including a pub named The B*gger Inn and his own vineyard. These features will be showcased in an upcoming ITV documentary that follows Edmonds as he builds a new life in New Zealand. Julie, a British expat living near River Haven, had the opportunity to work with Noel in his vineyard after offering to help with the grape harvest. The British star moved to New Zealand after his exit from I'm A Celebrity in 2019 (Image: Mike Marsland, WireImagevia Getty Images ) Although their collaboration was filmed for the ITV show, Julie claims that Edmonds' friendly nature was genuine and not just for the cameras, , reports Belfast Live. In an interview with Julie revealed: "He's just the kind of man who goes out of his way. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Article continues below "He doesn't put it on just for the camera, he's just a really nice guy. While we were working on the vineyard, he was giving us water and ice pops, and he got to know everybody's name and even when you go to the B**ger Inn for a meal, he'll just come over and just have a chat whether you know him or not, and some Kiwis don't even know that he's a celebrity. "He doesn't shy away from hard work either, he was getting his hands dirty." The British star had bought the property after relocating New Zealand with his wife Liz (Image: ITV ) Julie has responded to the criticism aimed at Noel over his purchase of River Haven, which has stirred a local and media storm since he moved in, per a report from the Express. She weighed in on the situation, calling his relocation 'great' for driving tourism to Ngatimoti, thanks to his vineyard being located there. Discussing Noel's charitable nature, Julie highlighted his $10,000 contribution towards clearing a local school's debt. However, she conceded that Noel's particularly British dry wit doesn't always resonate with the locals. Expanding on this, she remarked: "I don't think because they don't get him and as an immigrant from the UK, we have the English banter so I understand it, and Kiwis don't get that sense of humour, and it can come across as a bit weird to them." The first episode offers viewers a glimpse into how Noel and his wife Liz are getting on with the community, featuring highlights such as Noel outlining his health regimen, the eye-catching golden statue outside his pub, and a revelation from Noel that he "was an emperor in a past life". Article continues below
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Ministers ‘abusing' anti-terror laws against Palestine activists
A protest organised by groups under the Palestine Coalition banner marched to Whitehall from Russell Square in central London on Saturday afternoon. Organisers estimated that 350,000 people attended the protest, with those marching waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'free, free Palestine' and 'stop bombing Iran'. Many protesters chanted 'shame on you' as they walked past dozens of counter-protesters, organised by pro-Israeli group Stop The Hate, near Waterloo Bridge. The Metropolitan Police said a person was arrested after a bottle was thrown towards the counter-protesters. They added that 'a group appeared on Waterloo Bridge trying to block traffic' following the protest, with officers intervening to clear the road. The demonstrations come after reports on Friday that the Home Secretary will ban Palestine Action after the group vandalised two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. Yvette Cooper has decided to proscribe the group, making it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, after footage posted online showed two people inside the RAF base, with one appearing to spray paint into an aircraft's jet engine. Addressing crowds at the national march for Palestine in Whitehall, former SNP leader Mr Yousaf said: 'While we stand a stone's throw from Downing Street, let's make it clear to the Prime Minister: You try to intimidate us with your anti-terror laws by abusing them, but you'll never silence us as we speak out against the genocide that you're supporting. 'We're not the terrorists – the ones that are literally killing children, they are the terrorists.' A pro-Palestine protester said it was 'absolutely horrendous' that the Government is preparing to ban Palestine Action. Paloma Faith speaking after a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in London (Jeff Moore/PA) Artist Hannah Woodhouse, 61, told the PA news agency: 'The Government, since yesterday, have said they're also going to start to try to proscribe peace activists who are trying to take action against the genocide – so Palestine Action are now being targeted by our Government, which is absolutely horrendous.' Ms Woodhouse, who is from London, added: 'Counter-terrorism measures, it seems, are being used against non-violent peace protesters. 'The peace activists are trying to do the Government's job, which is to disarm Israel. The duty of any government right now is to disarm a genocidal state.' Musician Paloma Faith told pro-Palestine campaigners that she would not 'stick to music and stay away from politics'. Speaking to crowds at the march, the songwriter, 43, added: 'Those who facilitate these crimes against humanity need to be made accountable, not those of us who are compassionate and humane enough to stand against it.' Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told protesters that politicians were seeking to 'turn people who protest against the invasion of Iran or the occupation of Palestine into terrorists'. Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking after a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, from Russell Square to Whitehall in central London (Jeff Moore/PA) Some protesters were carrying Iran flags, with others hoisting signs – distributed by the Islamic Human Rights Commission – that read 'choose the right side of history' alongside a photo of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Human rights group Liberty said banning Palestine Action 'would be a huge step change in how counter-terror laws are applied'. Sam Grant, its external affairs director, said in a statement: 'Targeting a protest group with terrorism powers in this way is a shocking escalation of the Government's crackdown on protest and we urge the Home Secretary to rethink. 'It's clear the actions of Palestine Action don't meet the Government's own proportionality test to be proscribed as a terrorist group, but the consequences for the group's supporters if ministers go ahead would be heavy – with things like wearing their logo carrying prison sentences. 'This move needs to be viewed in light of the sustained crackdowns on protest we have seen from successive governments over recent years, and the worrying fact that there are more and more non-violent protesters spending years in prison.' The Palestine Coalition is comprised of a number of different groups, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop The War.
