ORF, the Austrian national broadcaster and the EBU, the European Broadcasting Union, have commented on the removal of four audience members, during the first Semi Final, of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

Last night, an individual chanting was removed from the arena by security, following audible chants during the start of the Israeli performance could be heard over the audience microphones. A further three individuals were also removed for their disruptive behaviour. ORF and the EBU published the following statement:

“An audience of 10,000 fans in the Wiener Stadthalle at the First Semi-Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna greeted every artist enthusiastically this evening. As previously announced, ORF is broadcasting a clean audio feed live from audience microphones before and during ever performer’s song. One audience member close to a microphone, loudly expressed their views as the Israeli artist began his performance, and during the song, which was heard on the live broadcast. They were later removed by security for continuing to disturb the audience. Three other people were also removed from the arena by security for disruptive behaviour.”

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Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix