Ireland’s Bambie Thug says ‘f*** the EBU’ after finishing behind Israel at Eurovision

Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug says life is “forever changed” after this year’s event.

The performer, 31, who came sixth, behind Israel’s entry, posted a video on Instagram with a filter projecting the Palestinian flag on one cheek, saying: “Just a quick message to say thank you guys for all of your support throughout this process. I love you beyond and my life is forever changed and it’s because of your love and support, and yeah slay, lots of love.

“I just want to say we are what Eurovision is, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is not what the Eurovision is, f*** the EBU, I don’t even care anymore. F*** them.”

The 68th edition of the annual song contest, held in Malmo, Sweden this year, was won by Swiss contestant Nemo with his song The Code, after a week filled with controversy.

Throughout the competition Bambie had urged people to ‘crown the witch’, but when Nemo was named the winner on Saturday night, Bambie was shown on screen hugging the Swiss singer in the green room in congratulations and then put their crown on Nemo’s head, which they wore as they went back on stage to receive the winner’s trophy and perform again.

Bambie and Nemo, who are both describe themselves as non-binary and ask other people to refer to them using they/them pronouns, are believed to have formed a firm friendship during the event.

In the build-up to the finale, Bambie was outspoken about having pro-Palestine views and accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break, adding that the performer was waiting to hear back from the EBU about what action would be taken.

Bambie told journalists after the competition: “So now that I’m free. I can talk about everything right?

“Yeah, so Kan the broadcaster incited violence against me twice, three times. We brought it up to the EBU. They said they follow up.

“They waited to the last minute, we still haven’t gotten statement back to us, allowed us to be scapegoats, allowed us to be the spokesperson for standing up for ourselves.

“And yeah, the (Israeli) broadcaster has disobeyed the rules and I hope next year they won’t be able to compete because of that. And behind the scenes, you don’t know the amount of pressure and the amount of work that we have been doing to change things and I’m so proud for Nemo for winning,

“I’m so proud that all of us are in the top 10 that have been fighting for this shit behind the scenes. Because it’s been so hard and I’m so proud of us.”

The EBU has been contacted for comment.