“Artists, crews and volunteers must be able to do their jobs without targeted attacks, threats and harassment.
This is a first in the history of Eurovision: the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the proper organization of the event, published a press release on Friday against the cyberharassment of people involved in the show this year.
The EBU says it is "appalled by the extent of online harassment" and recalls that it condemns "all forms of discrimination".
It says that “anyone who crosses the red line of abusive behavior will be immediately blocked [on social networks] and reported” and that “the most serious cases” will be reported “to the competent authorities”.
In the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest we'd like to remind our followers of the values of the competition and to respect others online.
pic.twitter.com/jCePYa30Wc
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 6, 2022
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The message is mainly aimed at Internet users who multiply insulting messages towards some of the artists in competition.
Albanian Ronela Hajati spoke about it at a press conference on Wednesday.
“I'm here to sing, if you like my song, listen to it!
If you don't like it, turn off the music.
I'm not here to be judged, no one is there for that," she said, urging her critics to "mind their own business."
A blocked sun
The production teams are not spared either.
Since rehearsals began on April 30 on the stage of the Pala Alpitour in Turin (Italy) where the first edition will take place, the organization has had to deal with technical problems.
The main one concerns an important element of the decor: a half-sun installed at the back of the stage, formed of arches supposed to be removable, but which, due to a malfunction, will remain fixed during the performances of the candidates.
Some fans of the contest took the party to laugh, by multiplying the memes and amused comments.
Others are more willing to insult the EBU and RAI, the transalpine channel producing Eurovision this year, believing that this technical problem compromises the chances of their favorites.
The EBU recalls in its press release that the musical competition was born to "build unity" and celebrate the values of "inclusion" and "universality" through music and urges the most "passionate" express their opinions in a "civilized and respectful" manner.
The first Eurovision semi-final will take place on Tuesday and will be broadcast live on Culturebox (channel 14) where Laurence Boccolini will provide commentary.
Same thing for the second half, Thursday.
France is qualified directly for the final on Saturday, which will be broadcast on France 2. The Breton quartet Alvan and Ahez will defend the tricolor chances with the song
Fulenn
.
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Cyber harassment