Irish Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug missed their dress rehearsal this afternoon to discuss a “situation” with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 

The Cork singer told their “coven” on Instagram that there was a “situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU”. 

“The EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in discussion about what action needs to be taken,” they said. 

"This means I have missed by dress rehearsal - I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on the stage tonight." 

The entrants for Greece and Switzerland also did not attend the flag parade.

🇮🇪 Bambie Thug have posted a statement on their Instagram regarding their absence from this afternoon's Grand Final dress rehearsal.

"There was a situation [...] which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU"

Notably, Nemo and Marina Satti were also not present. pic.twitter.com/bi6c45Iyb8

— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) May 11, 2024

Bambie Thug is among the favourites to win Eurovision this year with their song ‘Doomsday Blue’. 

The singer has also been vocal in their support for Palestine and calls for ceasefire. 

They previously had Ogham messages on their body reading ‘ceasefire’ and ‘Free Palestine’ but later said they were “ordered” by the EBU to remove them. 

Repro Free: 08/05/2024 Bambie Thug pictured during the post show press conference after they qualified for the Eurovvision Song Contest Final on Saturday May 11th. Picture Andres Poveda

"It was very important for me because I'm pro-justice and pro-peace," they said. 

"Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to 'Crown the Witch' only in order from the EBU". 

A video from Israeli Eurovision commentator Asaf Liberman shows him congratulating Bambie Thug’s dancing partner Matt Williams before asking does he have anything to say to his “friends in Israel”. 

“No,” Mr Williams responded, before quickly walking away. 

Bambie Thug at Eurovision

Bambie Thug previously defended their choice to remain in Eurovision but offered their support for those who choose to boycott.  

“I think if I wasn't in the competition, I would also be boycotting,” they told The Late Late Show last month.  

“At the end of the day, without the group of us who is pro-Palestine, it is less competition for the other side to win and it's less of solidarity there. 

Bambie Thug will perform 10th this evening at the Grand Final in Malmö.  

They will compete alongside 24 other acts after the Netherlands was disqualified due to police investigations into contestant Joost Klein.