Ireland’s Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug had to alter costume for ‘breaking rules’

Bambie Thug has made it through to the Eurovision final (Picture: Jens Büttner / Avalon)

Bambie Thug has revealed they were asked to change their face paint due to its political messaging.

Ireland’s first Eurovision Song Contest finalist since 2018 has said that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) told them to change the aspect of their costume due to its pro-Palestinian message, after a dress rehearsal performance of their song Doomsday Blue.

They said they were forced to change the writing that was done using the Ogham script – an early medieval alphabet that was used to write the early Irish language, and later, the old Irish language. The Ogham writing translated to ceasefire – a nod to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

A spokeswoman 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 31-year-old singer has previously spoken to Metro.co.uk about Israel’s inclusion in the competition, stating they don’t agree with the EBU’s decision.

Bambie was asked to change their face paint (Picture: Rex)

The war against Hamas has killed more than 35,000 people in Palestine, and injured a further 77,000 in Gaza, according to figures obtained by Al Jazeera, however, the EBU have doubled down on their position to include Israel’s act Eden Golan.

In a shared statement, the UK’s entry Olly Alexander, and Bambie joined entrants from Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Switzerland, Denmark, Lithuania and Finland to say they do ‘not feel comfortable being silent’ and ‘stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.’

It continued: ‘We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.

‘We feel it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.’

Bambie shared a joint statement about Israel’s inclusion (Picture: Jens Büttner / Avalon)

Bambie, who will now be performing in the Grand Final on Saturday, said: ‘We couldn’t stay silent on the matter. I basically said what I wanted to say in my statement, but it is down to the EBU and it is down to even my broadcaster.

‘I’m getting a lot of targeted abuse that I don’t think it’s entirely fair, actually, when I’m not the one that’s making the decisions, but I am extremely pro-Palestine and it is disappointing that the EBU has made this decision because I don’t think it’s correct.’

The non-binary Eurovision star has said they struggled with the backlash and horrific transphobic hate. ‘It’s a lot to take, from the transphobic abuse online and also just coming for my character in terms of this boycott thing,’ they shared.

Bambie struggled with backlash (Picture: Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images)

Eurovision has sparked backlash in recent months over including Israel in the Song Contest, with more than 2,000 artists from Iceland, Finland, and the host country Sweden signing open letters asking for Israel to be banned.

Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the EBU, said: ‘The European Broadcasting Union acknowledges the depth of feeling and the strong opinions that this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – set against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East – has provoked.

‘We understand that people will want to engage in debate and express their deeply held views on this matter. We have all been affected by the images, stories and the unquestionable pain suffered by those in Israel and in Gaza.’

The statement stated that they ‘oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest.’ 

‘This is unacceptable and totally unfair, given the artists have no role in this decision,’ it explained.

The statement ended: ‘The EBU is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, staff, and fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote the values of respect, inclusivity, and understanding, both online and offline.

‘We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and support the artists who are working tirelessly – on what is a music and entertainment show – to share their music with the world.’

Stars including Dame Helen Mirren, Boy George and Sharon Osbourne signed an open letter supporting the country’s inclusion after it was shared on non-profit body Creative Community For Peace, who campaign against cultural boycotts of Israel.

Ireland’s success at Eurovision pleased their Taoiseach (Picture: EPA)

Bambie told a press conference in Malmo, Sweden, that they were completely ‘disassociated’ and having an ‘out of body experience’ after making the final.

The artist from County Cork, has said their inclusion in the contest is symbolic of ‘progression’.

‘It shows that the people are a lot more forward-thinking,’ they told BBC.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris is amongst those celebrating Ireland’s first final in six years.

‘Congratulations to Bambie Thug, who has qualified for the Eurovision final tonight,’ he wrote on X.

‘Bambie will become the first Irish act in the Eurovision finals since 2018. It is time to bring the Eurovision back to Ireland and Bambie is the act to do it!’

Despite their lack of success in recent years, Ireland is tied with Sweden as the country with the most overall wins – seven. Some Eurovision fans think they could do it again thanks to Bambie’s mesmerising performance.

In the act, the independent artist dressed like a witch with horns on their head, screamed to the heavens and was twirled by a dancer wearing devil-inspired prosthetics.

The next Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals will air on Thursday, May 9, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The Grand Final airs on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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