Ireland's Eurovision artist Bambie Thug rejects calls to boycott this years competition

Ireland's Eurovision artist, Bambie Thug rejects the calls that Ireland should boycott this year's Eurovision song contest in a recent post to their Instagram account.

The post to from their Instagram account reads: 

"We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision.

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. It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages. We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia.

We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.
We feel that it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy."

Ireland are set to compete in the first semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday, May 7th. Bambie Thug will be performing their song 'Doomsday Blue' in Malmo, Sweden as Ireland's entry into this years competition having won an national vote on The Late Late earlier in the year.