Eric Saade was criticized by SVT for wearing a Palestinian scarf on his wrist when he performed in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May.
"We think it's sad that he's using his participation in this way," said Ebba Adielsson, executive producer at SVT, in a comment to TT.
Saade took offense because he claims to have told SVT what he intended to do – and that it was racist to call the Palestinian scarf a political symbol.
"Sick damn silence"
When the incident in Malmö occurred, it was already underway that Saade would host "Hello Mello". It didn't make him want to jump off the hosting, he explains.
But when Saade was on "Uppdrag granskning" on SVT in September, he directed criticism at SVT and Ebba Adielsson. "There has been a sick damn silence from SVT since Eurovision," Saade said on the program.
Yes, but then I'm referring to a person, he says now.
But doesn't it get weird to walk through the doors at SVT after you've had a conflict and they've criticized you?
No, because she's not SVT. I can still think she should call me. But she works with Eurovision. If she had worked here, we would have needed a chat with her. But we're not there now.
"Not part of the outfit"
Have you received any directives about what you're allowed to wear on "Hello Mello"? Can you wear a Palestinian scarf?
No, I haven't received any directives, actually. But so far, it's not part of the outfit.
"Hello Mello" is SVT's new major investment in a song contest for children between 13 and 15 years old. The first program is broadcast on Sunday, and Eric Saade is the host along with Malin Olsson.
Several of the artists in "Hello Mello" already have many followers on social media, such as Tiktok, which in a way is a competitor to SVT for young viewers.
We can't defend ourselves against the fact that there are social media. It's highly central in young people's lives. We can't be old-fashioned there, but it's clear that we have to look everywhere for stars who can come here and deliver, says Malin Olsson.
Eric Saade sees it as SVT putting a quality stamp on them by inviting artists from Tiktok.
The same second you get to set your foot on SVT in a family entertainment program that's broadcast at 8 pm on Sundays, you legitimize that this person has talent. I think it's wonderful.
When: Premiere Sunday, October 27, at 8:00 pm on SVT Play and SVT1.
How: Five qualifying rounds, one final. Viewers vote in the Mello app and by phone.
Who: 25 entries compete, 2 entries advance from each qualifying round. Ten entries compete in the final.
Hosts: Malin Olsson and Eric Saade.
Songwriters: All entries are newly written for the competition. Several well-known names are behind the songs, such as Cazzi Opeia, Thomas G:son, Danny Saucedo, and the songwriting duo Rasmus Gozzi and Fröken Snusk.
27/10: Valencia Montpaz, Leon Frohm, Black Roses, Sora Elding, Grannen Måns.
3/11: Ninija, 4Fun, August Follin, Osman, Ina Lindgren.
10/11: Edvard E, Leo S Maas, Maja Söderström, Tymur Vasylyshyn, Lilly & Leah.
17/11: Axel, Betty Lo, Oliver Eriksson, Sixten Linton, Jennifer Aoun.
24/11: Kimberly Rydberg, Will Tech, Leona, Bianca Rosendahl, Felix Norrbrand.
