‘Don’t boo Russia’: gay Israeli singer
Image: Israel's entrant for Eurovision 2016, Hovi Star. Photo: Eurovision
ISRAEL’S entrant in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest has asked people attending the grand final not to boo during Russia’s performance.
The Eurovision committee was forced to install anti-booing technology into its broadcast after Russia received heavy boos during the 2015 broadcast. Russia was booed for its ant-LGBTI laws and annexing of Crimea during its performance and whenever the country was mentioned during last year’s broadcast.
Israel’s entrant Hovi Star was the victim of alleged homophobic acts in Russia last year after officials blocked him from coming into the country and ripping up his passport. He was required to receive diplomatic assistance to get him out of Russia.
Despite his treatment in Russia, Star does not want the crowd booing Russia’s entrant this year, Sergey Lazarev – who is also a hot favourite to win the contest ahead of Australia’s Dami Im.
“I don’t believe that because the Russian government people doesn’t like gay people, they should punish the citizens of Russia,” Star told gaystarnews.com.
“I think one of the biggest audiences of Eurovision is based in Russia and I think it’s not fair to say, ‘They’re not going to get Eurovision, kick them out of the competition’, because I’ve heard these appalling things.
“That’s not fair (to boo). If you’re thinking about booing anyone on stage, not just Russia or Israel or anyone then don’t come to Eurovision.”
