The selection of pop star Olly Alexander as the BBC’s choice to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest has sparked controversy due to a letter he signed criticizing 'unthinking philosemitism' and calling Israel an ‘apartheid state.’ Debates have ensued over his views on Israel, with some labeling them as 'antisemitic.' The situation has drawn parallels with the treatment of the gay community by Hamas. An ex-Mumford and Sons band member condemned Alexander's views on Israel as 'abhorrent' but opposed removing him from the Eurovision representative lineup. The BBC has been 'urged' to drop Alexander following the controversy, which has been compared to previous issues involving Gary Lineker. Despite the backlash, the BBC has decided to allow Alexander to continue expressing his political opinions.
The BBC will let Britain’s entrant at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest continue to express his political views in the wake of an anti-semitism row https://t.co/IPtaFVGXMn
Well, *of course* he did. BBC’s choice for Eurovision Song Contest called Israel an ‘apartheid state’ https://t.co/mFlRGmzPH7
'It's laughable the way you try and censor people, just for having an opinion.' With the BBC 'urged' to drop Eurovision contestant Olly Alexander for his views on Israel, Iain Dale and this caller discuss how this compares with previous controversy surrounding Gary Lineker. https://t.co/B7bkWaXtTt
Ex-Mumford and Sons star blasts Olly Alexander’s ‘abhorrent’ Israel views - But says he SHOULDN’T be kicked off Eurovision https://t.co/OaOu76kkRA
‘The way the gay community is treated by Hamas is just appalling.’ Dawn Neesom and Freddy Gray debate this year's Eurovision representative being criticised for 'antisemitic' views. https://t.co/Qwfc8Y2jk1
Of course this fool is also a fellow traveller, at least, of racists. “Letter signed by pop star Olly Alexander hitting out at ‘unthinking philosemitism’ emerges after his selection to represent UK in contest” https://t.co/yF65MKj5eC