Eurovision 2024: Organisers asked Bambie Thug to change secret Ogham body markings before performance

On Tuesday night Ireland qualified for the Grand Final for the first time since 2018.

At a press conference afterwards Bambie Thug was asked about the meaning written in Ogham script on their face and legs.

The writing spelt out ‘Ceasefire’ and ‘Freedom for Palestine’.

“It was very important because I am pro justice and pro peace. Unfortunately I had to change the messages today to Crown the Witch only in order from the EBU,” they said.

Asked what makes them special, the artist replied; “I am a queer and I am a witch,” they said.

A spokeswoman for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “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.

“After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.”

The body had previously warned that Palestinian flags and symbols would not be allowed in Malmo Arena.

Despite this, former Swedish Eurovision contestant and opening act Eric Saade had a symbol, commonly used by people who want to show they are pro-Palestinian, on his arm.

The EBU said that it “regrets” that Saade chose to wear the keffiyeh pattern material and “chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.

On Wednesday in Malmo, there will be the first planned demonstration over Israel’s involvement in the 68th Eurovision song contest.

Bambie Thug, whose black costume was removed during the performance to reveal a second outfit in the colours of the trans flag, said that they were completely “disassociated” and having an “out of body experience” after making Saturday’s final.

Ireland has not won since 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice.

Stage preparations for Bambie Thug's performance at Eurovision

Six years ago Ryan O’Shaughnessy reached the final of the competition with the song Together, and came 16th in Lisbon, Portugal.

Elsewhere, Olly Alexander delivered his first performance, which used rotating cameras to show an energetic upside-down locker room staging of Dizzy.

It is the first time the UK, which is already through to the final, has performed in a semi-final.

Also making the final were Ukraine duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil with their religious infused Teresa & Maria, Finland’s Windows95man with the absurd No Rules! and Serbia contestant Teya Dora with Ramonda.

Cyprus contestant Silia Kapsis with Liar, Lithuania singer Silvester Belt with Luktelk, Croatia’s Baby Lasagna with Rim Tim Tagi Dim, Slovenia’s Raiven with Veronika, Portugal’s Iolanda with Grito, and Luxembourg’s Tali with Fighter will also compete on Saturday with those who go through from the semi-finals on Thursday.

The “big five” – the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy – are the biggest donors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) so have already made the final along with host Sweden’s entry Marcus & Martinus.

The Norwegian-born twin singers performed their love song Unforgettable which saw them turn the stage into a dance club.

The first Eurovision semi-final was hosted by Swedish comedian Petra Mede and Hollywood actress Malin Akerman.