EUROVISION viewers have claimed that fake crowd noise was used to drown out the boos for Israel’s performance.
The second semi-final of the popular contest was broadcast on Thursday night amid protests over Israel’s entry.
Greta Thunberg was among those to join the pro-Palestine crowds in Malmo with Swedish police estimating between 10,000 and 12,000 people took part in the demonstration.
READ MORE: Boycotting Eurovision is a small but necessary act
We previously told how Israel’s contestant Eden Golan was met with cries of “free Palestine” and boos as she performed her track Hurricane at Wednesday’s rehearsals.
During the semi-final on Thursday evening, many took to Twitter/X to claim there was “anti-booing” technology being used during Israel’s performance as Golan was once again met with boos from the crowd.
REMINDER if you hear cheers for israel during the broadcast it’s cause of the ebu is using anti-booing technique trying to cover up boos with fake cheers for tv, but this is how it’s actually like inside the arena ‼️ #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/3Cs9oESnaa
— rasmus (@rasmusbravado) May 9, 2024
One user said: “All the booing from the audience at Israel’s performance, that they didn’t let you hear on TV by using anti-booing technology and fake cheering sounds.”
“All the cheering you hear during Israel’s act is actually booing,” commented a second person.
Elsewhere, the Bella Caledonia account tweeted: “I love the sound of the anti-booing tech for tonight’s #eurovision2024.”
The use of “anti-booing” technology was also referenced by Kirsty Wark on BBC’s Newsnight as she spoke with drag performer Crystal, who said she has cancelled her viewing event because of Israel’s entry into the competition.
#Eurovision2024 is using anti-booing solutions to reduce the sound of the boos during the Israeli performance
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) May 9, 2024
So not only is @Eurovision ignoring the murder of over 35,000 Palestinians by Israel, @EBU_HQ are manipulating the sound of the audience: cancel culture on top of cancel… pic.twitter.com/IviGHULq6A
“I am a huge Eurovision fan. This year I was hosting my own screening event in Dalston which was going to be 800 people screaming, cheering along at the screen, it was going to be a really great time,” she said.
However, the drag performer added: “I’ve decided to join the boycott because of Israel’s inclusion and I feel because the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) has forced my hand unfortunately by deciding to keep them in the contest despite growing protests.”
We told on Thursday how the Dreadnought Pub in Leith has been praised for cancelling its annual Eurovision screening after receiving complaints from regular customers over Israel’s inclusion in the competition.
The National has approached the EBU for comment.
READ MORE: SNP government issues update on future of independence white papers
Golan has already said she believes the contest is "safe for everyone" amid protests over her participation.
"I think we're all here for one reason and one reason only and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone and so I think it's safe for everyone and we wouldn't be here (if not)."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel