Olly Alexander has chosen to continue to participate in the Eurovision song contest following calls for him to withdraw.
Activist group Queers for Palestine has been advocating for Alexander to boycott the event due to Israel's inclusion amid the ongoing war in Gaza. While they applaud the singer's "vision of queer joy and abundance you've offered through your music, and share your belief in collective liberation for all," they insist that "there can be no party with a state committing apartheid and genocide."
The artist has since rejected the request, releasing a statement about why he is choosing to still participate.
"I wholeheartedly support action being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel," he wrote on Instagram. "I know some people will choose to boycott this year's Eurovision and I understand and respect their decision."
The "Dizzy" singer went on to state that he hopes that still participating in the ceremony will allow peace to be amplified, rather than further division being spread.
"It is my current belief that removing myself from this event wouldn't bring us any closer to our shared goal," he continued. "Instead, I've been speaking with some of the other EV contestants and we've decided that by taking part we can use our platform to come together and call for peace."
Alexander has teamed up with several other contestants to speak out amid the conflict, releasing a joint statement about "the unifying power of music." The letter was also signed by Ireland contestant Bambie Thug, Norway's Gåte, Portugal's Iolanda, San Marino's Megara, Switzerland's Nemo, Denmark's Saba, Lithuania's Silvester Belt and Finland's Windows95Man. It was posted to Instagram this morning before Alexander went on to make his own statement.
"In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable being silent," the letter reads. "It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, and immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages. We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and homophobia."
Alexander went on to end his personal statement by thanking his fellow contestants for their effort in working together as Eurovision approaches.
"I hope and pray that our calls are answered and that there is an end to the atrocities we are seeing take place in Gaza," he concluded. "I'd like to thank the many signatories of this letter whose work I deeply admire and respect and hope that we can continue to work together in creating a better world for all of us."
Queers For Palestine have since responded to both statements. While they welcome conversation from both Alexander and his fellow contestants, they are dissatisfied with the statements.
"When [Alexander et al] use that voice to downplay the genocide in Gaza by vaguely calling it a mere 'situation,' they misuse their power. When they choose to ignore the call for a boycott issued by the largest Palestinian coalition, in historic Palestine and in exile, they risk condescending to the people who are being occupied and massacred and are asking for our solidarity."
Eurovision kicks off on Tuesday, May 7 and runs until Saturday, May 11.
