Picture credits: © Stina Stjernkvist/SVT Eric Saade performed as a guest in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2024 and, despite it being against the rules, he expressed an apparent political message.
The artist, of Palestinian descent, who represented Sweden in 2011, wore a traditional Palestinian scarf, the keffiyeh, wrapped around his wrist during the performance. This is seen as a symbol of Palestinian resistance and nationalism. Eric Saade participated in the opening number with Eleni Foureira and Chanel.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) responded through a spokesperson quoted by The Independent: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show. All artists are made aware of the rules, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.
For his part, Eric Saade did not remain silent, using social media to defend himself and criticize the EBU, lamenting an attitude he considers racist and contrary to his ethnic origins:
– This was just my way of showing a part of my origin, which is important in a world like this. I got that keffiyeh from my dad when I was a little boy, to never forget where the family comes from. Back then, I didn’t know it would be one day called a «political symbol» by EBU. It’s like calling the Swedish Dala horser a political symbol… In my eyes, it’s just racism. I just wanted to be inclusive and wear something that is authentic to me – but the EBU seems to think my ehnicity is controversial. It says nothing about me, but everything about them. I’ll stick to this year’s ESC slogan: United by music! I can only hope for some kind of change in the future…”.
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