Saade: SVT approved Palestinian scarf in Eurovision

The artist Eric Saade was criticized for performing with a Palestinian scarf wrapped around his wrist in the European Championship Song Contest in Malmö. Now, the artist tells SVT's "Mission Review" that he informed SVT that he wanted to highlight his origin on stage.

» Updated:

» Published:

Saade: SVT approved Palestinian scarf in Eurovision
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Share this article

So, I think I said that, he says in "Mission Review".

SVT had booked Saade, who was openly critical of Israel's participation, to the Eurovision first semi-final. The artist claims that he had contact with Ebba Adielsson, executive producer at SVT for Eurovision, about what was allowed in the arena.

Ebba got in touch with me. And said that symbols are no problem, says Eric Saade.

And he then performed wearing a Palestinian scarf. The move sparked criticism from both SVT and Eurovision organizer EBU.

”My opinion is that I have been clear about what rules apply when participating in Eurovision”, writes Ebba Adielsson in an email to "Mission Review".

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Ellerströms Wins Örnen and Kråkan Poetry Prize

Ellerströms Wins Örnen and Kråkan Poetry Prize

Record Number of Songs Submitted to Melodifestivalen 2026

Record Number of Songs Submitted to Melodifestivalen 2026

Netherlands Joins Eurovision Boycott Threat Over Israel's Participation

Netherlands Joins Eurovision Boycott Threat Over Israel's Participation

SVT's The Game: Swedish Celebrities Face Intense Drama in New Show

SVT's The Game: Swedish Celebrities Face Intense Drama in New Show

Swedish Actor Per Mattsson Passes Away at 77

Swedish Actor Per Mattsson Passes Away at 77

Suede Announces Two Sweden Concerts Next Year

Suede Announces Two Sweden Concerts Next Year

Munich Philharmonic Concert in Belgium Canceled Over Conductor's Views

Munich Philharmonic Concert in Belgium Canceled Over Conductor's Views

TV4 Play Streams Malin Åkerman's Hit Series The Hunting Wives

TV4 Play Streams Malin Åkerman's Hit Series The Hunting Wives

Karin Wiklund and Annica Styrke Win Birgit Cullberg Scholarship

Karin Wiklund and Annica Styrke Win Birgit Cullberg Scholarship

Dexter Returns as a Taxi Driver in New York in New Series

Dexter Returns as a Taxi Driver in New York in New Series

Sweden's Museums See 2% Rise in Summer Visitors

Sweden's Museums See 2% Rise in Summer Visitors

Former Miss Dirt Reveals Her Real Name as Felicia

Former Miss Dirt Reveals Her Real Name as Felicia

Doktor Glas Novel Transformed into Modern Swedish Thriller Film

Doktor Glas Novel Transformed into Modern Swedish Thriller Film

Takida's Robert Pettersson Launches Solo Career with Secret Album

Takida's Robert Pettersson Launches Solo Career with Secret Album

Big Little Lies Season 3 Confirmed with New Writer

Big Little Lies Season 3 Confirmed with New Writer

SD Politician Seeks to Cancel Play About Palestinian Activist in Malmö

SD Politician Seeks to Cancel Play About Palestinian Activist in Malmö

Ireland Threatens Eurovision Boycott Over Israel's Participation

Ireland Threatens Eurovision Boycott Over Israel's Participation

Radio Listening Hits Record Low as Podcasts and Streaming Rise

Radio Listening Hits Record Low as Podcasts and Streaming Rise

Bad Bunny Skips USA Tour Over Immigration Raid Concerns

Bad Bunny Skips USA Tour Over Immigration Raid Concerns

Sverker Olofsson Criticizes Celebrity Focus in SVT's "Det sitter i väggarna"

Sverker Olofsson Criticizes Celebrity Focus in SVT's "Det sitter i väggarna"