Bambie Thug missed dress rehearsal due to 'situation' that required 'urgent attention'

Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Bambie Thug has said they missed their dress rehearsal after a “situation” required “urgent attention” from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

On their Instagram story, they wrote: 

“Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.

“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me.

“I hope to see you on the stage tonight.” 

In response, the organisers of Eurovision said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.

“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.

“We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the Grand Final show as planned.”

RTÉ has reported that the singer called on organisers to address commentary made on Israeli television before their performance in Tuesday’s semi-final.

This is not believed to be related to the situation Bambie has described in their social media post.

They told the publication: “I’m angry with other teams breaching their rules of the EBU, and still being allowed in.

“So there’s definitely a war drum sounding in my heart to push the performance even more than I have done before.” 

Bambie has been critical of Israel competing in the contest and has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.