Eurovision organisers deny they censored audience sound amid speculation booing muted during Israel performance

Speculated booing muted during Israel performance at Eurovision

Tabitha Monahan

The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have denied audio coming from the audience was censored, amid online speculation the sound of booing was muted during Israel’s performance in last night’s semi-final.

After a public vote, Israel’s Eden Golan secured a place in the competition’s grand final in Malmo on Saturday.

During the performance, TV viewers could hear cheers from the spectators in the Swedish arena. However, videos circulating on social media featured the sound of some audience members booing.

In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said Swedish broadcaster SVT did not “censor sound from the arena audience”.

“Just like in all major TV productions with an audience, SVT work on the broadcast sound to even out the levels for TV viewers,” the EBU statement said. “This is solely to achieve as balanced a sound mix as possible for the audience; and SVT do not censor sound from the arena audience,” it added.“The same principle applies to all competing performances and opening and interval acts. The EBU and SVT encourage all audiences to attend in the spirit of the Contest, embracing its values of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and being United By Music.”

Reports also said people walked out of the arena during Eden Golan’s performance.

There was heavy security around the arena for yesterday’s event as thousands gathered in Malmo to protest against Israel’s involvement.

In a press conference after the event, a reporter asked Ms Golan about her participation in the competition.

“Have you ever thought that by being here, you bring risk and danger for other participants?” the reporter asked.

A moderator at the conference said Israel did not have to answer the question, which prompted the Netherland’s entry Joost Klein to ask “why not?”.

In response to the original question, Ms Golan said: “I think we are all here for one reason and one reason only and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and I think it’s safe for everyone.”