Tensions erupt over Israel’s Eurovision performance

WorldEntertainment
16 May 2025 • 2:58 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Viewers of the second Eurovision 2025 semi-final, screened on BBC One on Thursday night, have accused the broadcast of censoring audience boos during Israel's performance.
  • Social media footage from the event suggests more substantial booing than heard on the broadcast, though the EBU – which provided the footage – denies any censorship and reports a positive atmosphere.
  • Israel's participation in the contest was controversial due to the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
  • Singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of Hamas’s October 7 attacks, said before her performance that she “expected” boos but remained determined to sing.
  • Protesters earlier disrupted Raphael's rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles, but were ejected from the arena.

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