Bambie Thug, the Eurovision Song Contest entrant for Ireland, says the European Broadcasting Union made them remove pro-Palestine and pro-ceasefire makeup face tattoos. According to the Irish Examiner, Bambie Thug had written “Ceasefire†and “Saoirse Don Phalistin†on their face in Ogham, an early medieval Irish alphabet. “Saoirse Don Phalistin†translates to “Freedom for Palestine†in Gaelic. After qualifying for Eurovision final, Bambie Thug said in a press conference that the EBU ordered them to change the messaging on their face. “It was was very important to me because I’m pro-justice and pro-peace,†they said. “Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘crown the witch’ only, in order from the EBU.â€
“The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event,†an EBU spokesperson said. “After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.†Bambie Thug is among the artists who issued a joint statement calling for “an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages†in March.