Singer Aidan Cassar was reportedly warned several times that he was breaking the Malta Eurovision Song Contest rules before his disqualification was announced.
Organisers revealed on Tuesday evening via a PBS spokesperson talking to TVM News that the singer ignored multiple warnings and uploaded a number of unauthorised posts on social media.
The announcement of disqualification came on Monday as his 2023 Eurovision Song entry ‘Reġina’ continued to amass popularity. According to competition rules, singers are not allowed to post about their entry from the quarter-final stage onwards.
The spokesperson stated that singers were aware of the regulations as a meeting was held after the names of the quarter finalists were announced.
“The publication of any social media post, promotion material, interviews or media presence/exposure from the announcement of the quarter-finalists onwards is strictly prohibited. Any breach of this clause will lead to automatic disqualification” read the official rules.
The response to the disqualification was mixed. Whereas some backed the decision after finding out about the regulations, others, including Xarabank host Peppi Azzopardi, defended the artist.
Supporters of Aidan have lamented how these regulations only keep singers and other artists back from furthering their career. Peppi Azzopardi also stated that this almost happened in the past but Xarabank provided a voice to the artist to explain his side.
The petition has so far reached around 900 signatures out of the now 1,000 goal.
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