Cornald Maas has described a “difficult period” after calling the Eurovision Song Contest a “connecting party,” remarks that drew sharp criticism and accusations linking the festival to the war in Gaza, he told RTL Boulevard. The veteran Dutch commentator made the comments during the Songfestival Feest at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, an event held this year without the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) or the NPO.
Maas said he received numerous reactions after stating that the contest is “ultimately a connecting party that should always continue to exist.” Among the responses he cited was: “Oh, so you want to celebrate over the backs of the murdered children in Gaza.” According to Maas, the criticism also came from people in the cultural world, “of which I am myself a part.” He summarized the tense atmosphere by saying: “So things have gotten quite heated.”
Remarks at Event Without EBU and NPO
Speaking at the Songfestival Feest in the Ziggo Dome, Maas addressed the fact that this year’s gathering took place without the EBU and the NPO. “So we are going to make the party entirely on our own strength, as it should be,” he said. “Without all those geopolitical influences and without everything that is going on.”
Eurovision Criticizes Maas over Gaza Remarks
Maas noted that the Eurovision is not just a party, something he has experienced recently himself. Two years ago, he was already accused of antisemitism after making remarks about voting behavior for Israel. Now he faced renewed criticism over the Gaza comments. Despite this, Maas stressed that his love for the festival remains. He was for years the familiar voice of the Eurovision Song Contest, though for now that chapter appears to be over.