The first Irish Eurovision Song Contest finalist since 2018 has said they altered a pro-Palestinian message on their outfit following an "order" from the competition organisers.
The Cork-born singer, 31, told a press conference in Malmö they were forced to change their body paint in Ogham script - an early Medieval alphabet - which translated to "ceasefire" and "freedom", a nod to the situation in Gaza and amid Israel's inclusion in the Eurovision.
"It was very important for me because I'm pro-justice and pro-peace," they said.
"Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to 'Crown the Witch' only (which was an) order from the EBU (European Broadcasting Union)."
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."
The EBU and the Swedish broadcaster SVT also responded after a Swedish singer breached a ban on political symbols by wearing a pro-Palestinian scarf as he performed.
Saade, whose father is of Palestinian origin, wore a keffiyeh scarf, which is a Palestinian and Arab symbol, on his arm. He had warned before the show that he wanted to make some kind of protest against Israel being allowed to take part.
"It is regrettable that he used his participation in this way," SVT's executive producer for the contest, Ebba Adielsson, said.
Because of security fears, Israel's competitor Eden Golan has reportedly been told to stay in her hotel room in Malmö before competing in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Demonstrations calling for Israel to be excluded are expected to be held in the Swedish city around the performance.
Among the qualifiers on Tuesday night were Ukrainians Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil with their rap song Teresa and Maria. Croatia's Baby Lasagna, singing Rim Tim Tagi Dim, one of the early favourites, also made Saturday's final.
In addition, Serbia, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, and Luxembourg have secured places in the final.
The second semi-final takes place on Thursday night when, in performance order, Armenia, Albania, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Greece, Malta, Switzerland, Belgium, Estonia, Israel, Georgia, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, and San Marino will compete for the ten places available.
The "big five", which includes the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, as the biggest donors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), have already made the final along with Sweden's entry Marcus & Martinus.
Additional Reporting: AFP
