The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most-watched music events in Europe because of its popularity and sheer scale in production and music.
Annually, Eurovision London hosts a huge screening party to support the country's bets. However, this year's organizers pulled the plug on the annual party to support the ongoing boycotts against the show.
Eurovision London Party Canceled
Variety reported that London's biggest screening party for the Eurovision Song Contest was canceled.
"Following discussion with the organizers of Eurovision Party London, we have collectively decided not to screen the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest this year while Israel remains in the competition," the Rio Cinema, the venue of the supposed party, revealed in a statement.
"The Eurovision Party London has been a beloved partner of The Rio Cinema for many years, and we will continue to work with them in the future. We firmly believe that the Eurovision Song Contest has the power to bring people together across the world, and when its core values of inclusivity, equality and universality are upheld, it can be a genuine force for good.
In their statement, the Eurovision London Party hoped everyone could be United by Music soon. They noted that they will continue to spearhead fundraising events for charities like Doctors Without Borders and Medical Aid for Palestine.
The cancellation came on the heels of Israel's inclusion in the song competition, which received huge support from industry executives.
— Rio Cinema (@riocinema) March 16, 2024
READ ALSO: Eurovision 2024 Israel Boycott: Celebrities, Singers, Signed Open Letter To Reject Banning Attempt
Why is Israel Participating in Eurovision?
Unbeknownst to many, Israel has been participating in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1973. They have since won the contest four times and have hosted it thrice, twice in Jerusalem in 1979 and 1999 and once in Tel Aviv in 2019. It was the first non-European country that has been permitted to participate in the event.
Israel Eurovision Entry Allowed After Numerous Boycotts
Finnish and Icelandic artists have called for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest after it still allowed the embattled nation to take part in the annual competition despite their ongoing siege at the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
Recent controversy includes Israel pushing back on the decision to reject their entry song "October Rain," which alludes to the extremist group Hamas's attack on the country last October 2023. (via CBC)
READ MORE: Eurovision Caribbean 2024 Confirmed: Fans Enraged Over New Competitor?
