Controversy Surrounds Marina Satti's Yawning Incident During Israeli Delegation's Remarks at Eurovision 2024

Greece's state broadcaster (ERT) stated at Eurovision 2024 that Marina Satti did not intend to offend the Israeli delegation.

A now viral video showing Marina Satti, Greece's representative at the 2024 Eurovision competition, prominently yawning, looking disinterested, and apparently falling asleep during a press conference late on Friday, while Israel's representative was speaking, sparked a firestorm of reactions the following day.

The video circulated widely and garnered comments from Greek-language users and others reacting to the previous evening's Eurovision second semi-final held in Malmo, Sweden. The hashtags #eurovisiongr, #σαττι, and #marinasatti were top trends for Greek users throughout the day. Satti, a Greek-Sudanese performer, along with her troupe of dancers performing the song "Zari," qualified for the grand final on Saturday, May 11.

The video captured Marina Satti yawning as Israel's representative, singer Eden Golan, was answering questions at the press conference, with other finalists also in attendance. Despite some scattered booing during Golan's stage performance, she delivered an almost flawless appearance. Concurrently, a pro-Palestinian protest occurred outside the Malmo Stadium where the Eurovision competition was held.

According to the Greek broadcaster, Satti was exhausted from the week-long rehearsals and appearances in Sweden and could not conceal her fatigue during the press interview. Sources from ERT clarified that Satti did not intend to insult or offend Golan or the Israeli delegation; in fact, she expressed her wishes for Eden's success in the final.

Marina Satti controversy

Eurovisionfun.com reported that, if one watched the full video instead of just the part featuring Eden Golan's statements, it would be evident that Marina Satti interacted with the panel of artists and journalists consistently throughout the press conference. Satti's yawning was attributed to the demanding schedule and extensive rehearsals of the preceding days, rather than a sign of disrespect towards the Israeli representative, whom she wished luck for the final on Saturday.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), of which ERT is a member, serves as the organizing body of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Ads1

Ads1
Arthur G

Recent Posts

Chania: Two Gynecologists Released in Illegal Adoption Ring Case

Two gynecologists accused of involvement in an illegal adoption ring in Chania have been released…

1 hour ago

39 monasteries in Greece and Mount Athos issue letter supporting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)

The monks stated that the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continues with unrelenting intensity.…

3 hours ago

Energean Signs $2 Billion Natural Gas Supply Agreement with Israel's Dalia Power Energies

Energean, a British-Greek oil and gas company, announced on Thursday that it has finalized a…

5 hours ago

Stefanos Tsitsipas shares heartfelt words for Paula Badosa after her Australian Open defeat

After Paula Badosa's semifinal loss at the 2025 Australian Open, she reflected on her journey…

7 hours ago

Archaeologists Uncover an Ancient Greek Bronze Statue Scrapyard Loaded with Body Parts

Archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed around 2,000 pieces of bronze statues in an ancient scrapyard…

9 hours ago

Megyn Kelly Weighs in on Rumors of Alleged Obama-Aniston Affair

A viral social media post has ignited rumors of a romantic relationship between Jennifer Aniston…

9 hours ago