Eurovision: UK entry reportedly axed by BBC executives over historic social media comments
The UK has axed its planned act for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, according to reports.
In a year where the event has been rocked by scandal - as Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands boycott the competition over Israel’s inclusion - another controversy has hit a bit closer to home.
According to the Sun, the UK’s entry for this year had been practically signed off, before routine checks found unsavoury comments they had made on social media. These posts, thought to be historical rather than recent musings, sparked major concerns from the BBC.
The solo act, who has not been named, was reportedly hauled into a meeting where they were told they would not be performing as a result.
It comes despite having already recorded their track, which has been sent out to high-profile members of the music industry.
A BBC spokesperson said: “A rigorous due diligence process is always undertaken before an act is offered the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision.
“We will be announcing this year’s chosen act shortly.”
From this BBC statement, it is presumed that a back-up artist has either been selected, or was already waiting in the wings in case something happened.
The Sun has reported that the artist’s comments were not related to any ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but did not disclose their exact nature either.
Last year, girl band Remember Monday represened the UK, finishing 19th in the overall rankings with 88 points.