Brooklyn Queer Nightclub Cancels Eurovision Finale Viewing Party After Pushback
The decision comes as thousands protest the annual song competition because of Israel's participation
Brooklyn’s 3 Dollar Bill canceled its Eurovision finale viewing party on Thursday, saying they heard the complaints of their patrons.
“We’re listening to what you’re saying and recognize that hosting the Eurovision event does not align with our values here at 3DB.” The bar posted on Instagram Thursday evening. “We understand the concerns raised by our community regarding the need for boycott.”
Previous posts promoting the event drew outrage from Pro-Palestinian followers. “They’re actively supporting genocide but. i guess we’re choosing to ignore that?” read one comment.
Eurovision has come under scrutiny because of Israel’s participation in the event. The annual event, which brings together singers from various countries to compete for the #1 song, always has an edge of politics. But this year is certainly different. As the event was taking shape, thousands of activists called on Eurovision to ban Israel from the event because of the tens-of-thousands of civilians killed in Gaza.
As the semi-finals went underway, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested across Malmo, Sweden, where the event is being held this year. Security in Sweden had already been on heightened alert.
Among those protesting was climate activist Greta Thunberg. She told the BBC that there was a “moral obligation to act” and to speak out against Israel’s military occupation of Gaza.
Critics of Eurovision say this current situation is a double standard. Russia was banned from the competition after it invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The decision by 3 Dollar Bill has already brought criticism. Minutes after they made they announcement, commenters began saying that they will be protesting the club.
“Shame on you. I hope all jewish and israelis and supporters in NYC will see this post and make the right decision to never come to your establishment again,” read one comment.
One patron suggested that the music competition should be an opportunity to bring people together and look beyond the geopolitics:
“Eurovision is a music contest meant to bring people from difficult geopolitical backgrounds together in spite of conflict to share what is human, not to shy away from looking at each other and seeing our shared humanity. Why are you missing the point? That’s such a disappointment.”