Irish Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug said they are “so proud” of themselves and their team despite a “horrible” experience in Malmö.
They praised Swiss winner Nemo as a fellow non-binary singer, as well as the artists who have been vocal in their support for Palestine.
“I'm so proud that all of us are in the top 10 and fighting for this sh*t behind the scenes,” they said.
“Because it’s been so hard and so horrible and I'm so proud of us.”
Bambie Thug offered a withering criticism for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the owners of Eurovision.
“Fuck the EBU I don’t even care anymore.” Bambie Thug doesn’t hold back about the Eurovision Song Contest after coming 6th. Hear their story @AntonSavageShow 9am GMT @NewstalkFM #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/FJ1eqJD0lf
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 12, 2024
“We are what the Eurovision is, the EBU is not what Eurovision is – f*ck the EBU,” they said.
“I don’t even care anymore – f*ck them.
“The thing that makes [Eurovision] is the contestants, the community behind, the love behind it, the love the power and the support.
“The world has spoken – the queers are coming.”
Swiss entrant Nemo won both the jury and popular vote with 591 points – 365 jury points and 226 points from the popular vote.
Nemo performs the song The Code during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)Bambie Thug placed in sixth place with 278 points for their song 'Doomsday Blue'.
The Cork artist earned 142 points from the jury and 136 points from the popular vote.
This year’s Eurovision was marked with deep controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement, with many calling for the country to be banned due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Many had also called on Bambie Thug and other entrants to boycott the competition.
Although Bambie Thug has defended their decision to stay in the competition, they were also vocal in their support for Palestine and calls for a ceasefire.
They missed their dress rehearsal this afternoon to discuss a “situation” with the EBU about comments made by Israeli Eurovision commentators about the singer.
On Tuesday, a commentator on Kan said Bambie Thug likes to "speak negatively about Israel" and to “prepare your curses”.
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.
The singer also wore a keffiyeh at press conferences during the week and said, “Love will always triumph over hate” at the end of their performance last night.
