France's Eurovision act calls for peace during performance as Norwegian jury spokesperson resigns

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has been plunged into its latest controversy after a France's participant stopped their performance to call for peace and a Norwegian jury spokesperson has resigned.

During the dress rehearsals at the Malmo Arena in Sweden on Saturday May 11, French contestant, Slimane Nebchi, interrupted their performance to ask for peace amid the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

There have been multiple calls to boycott the competition due to Israel's participation in the final with singer Eden Golan, who is set to perform her song Hurricane on Saturday evening.

In response to this, there have been three big protests in the centre of the city.

Slimane told the audience: "Everybody, I just need to say something. Sorry I don't speak English very well but when I was a child I dreamed about music, I dreamed about this dream, to be a singer and to sing peace here.

"Every artist here wants to sing about love and sing about peace. We need to be united by music yes, but with love for peace. United by music yes, but with love for peace. Thank you so much, thank you Europe."

In addition to this, Alessandra Mele has taken to Instagram to say she will no longer be announcing the points awarded by Norway during Eurovision.

In a video the former Eurovision contestant said: "Even though I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to do so, I've taken the decision to withdraw. United by music - Eurovision's motto is the reason why the music unites people, brings them together.

"But right now, those words are just empty words. There is a genocide going on and I'm asking you all to please open up your eyes, open up your heart, let love lead you to the truth. It's right in front of you. Free Palestine."

The grand final will see 25 acts perform after Dutch act Joost Klein was disqualified following Swedish police investigations into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

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