Olly Alexander breaks down in tears over 2024 Eurovision Song Contest controversy
03.05.2024 - 17:23
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Olly Alexander was moved to tears as he addressed the controversy surrounding the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
The singer defended his participation in the upcoming competition, set to take place in Sweden this month. The singing contest has been shrouded in a toxic atmosphere due to Israel's involvement amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Last October, Hamas - a terrorist group based in the Gaza Strip - launched an attack on Israel, reports the Mirror. This resulted in the brutal killing of over 1,000 civilians and hundreds more being abducted and taken to Gaza.
Israel retaliated by bombing cities and deploying ground forces to dismantle the Hamas armies and rescue the remaining hostages. This response has sparked global concern as Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire have seen their lives, homes and families devastated.
Meanwhile, the international community has struggled to deliver relief aid to the war-ravaged Middle Eastern country. Hamas operatives have been intercepting aid trucks to pilfer supplies for themselves, while Israeli forces have faced accusations of blocking aid relief.
Eurovision fans are calling for Israel to be banned from participating in the 2024 contest due to the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
Many argue that Israel's response to the attacks is disproportionate and that they should not be allowed to compete in the contest. Olly Alexander, who is representing the UK in the upcoming contest, has been caught up in the backlash.
Fans have accused him of turning a blind eye to the conflict and have called for him to withdraw from the competition. Alexander has admitted that the controversy has taken a toll on him and that he has struggled to cope with the pressure.
He told The Times: