Joost Klein, the Eurovision Song Contest entry for the Netherlands, will not perform in a second dress rehearsal for the grand final while an investigation into an unspecified "incident" continues, the organisers have said.
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: "The investigation into the incident with the Dutch artist in this year's Eurovision Song Contest is still ongoing.
"Discussions are also taking place between the EBU and Avrotros, the Dutch participating broadcaster.
"While the investigation continues, the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform during dress rehearsal two of the competition, which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries.
"His performance from semi-final two will be used instead."
Entering with the fun song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents, the 26-year-old Dutch rapper and singer qualified for the grand final on Thursday evening at the Malmö Arena venue in Sweden.
He was seen briefly at rehearsals on Friday during the flag parade before missing the performance of his track.
A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: "We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
"We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course."
During a press conference on Thursday, Klein told Israeli act Eden Golan she should answer a question on whether she is compromising the safety of other contestants at Eurovision by taking part.
A journalist had asked Golan: "Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and [the] public?"
When Golan was told by the moderator that she did not have to answer the question, Klein chimed in, saying: "Why not?"
Golan said: "I think we're all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it's safe for everyone and we wouldn't be here [if not]."
Earlier, when Klein was asked if his song can unite people by music, he replied: "I think that's a good question for the EBU."
During the semi-final on Thursday, Golan was applauded and cheered by the audience while singing Hurricane, which was reworked from an early song, October Rain, thought to be a reference to the attacks by Hamas on Israel in October.
There have been calls for countries to boycott the Eurovision because of Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
Source: Press Association
