Velvet, an online magazine in Hungary, is reporting that singer András Kállay-Saunders faces elimination from A Dal 2014…before he even sings.
There’s a rule that states artists who face criminal proceedings or whose behavior causes public scandal can be automatically excluded from the competition. Kállay-Saunders and a friend were reportedly involved in a fight in May 2013 on Hajógyári-island. Strangers attacked them, and he defended his girlfriend. He is now a suspect for assault and life-threatening suspicion of committing a crime. Drama, y’all. This puts a new twist on his song Running…
MTV still has not made a decision, but we hope they’ll overlook this. He was just trying to protect himself. Why deny Hungary the chance to hear his amazing song?! In an added twist today is his birthday.
What do you think? If they push him out who will replace him?
Update: András will proceed with his rehearsals and he even made time to speak with us earlier today. Here’s what he said.
Update #2: MTV has released the following statement. They say they WILL allow András to sing this weekend!
The MTVA decided that since the contest specifications are written in the conditional tense, taking into account the equitable considerations do not exclude Kállay-Saunders from the competition. He didn’t steal anything, and was not caught in the act during a crime.
The case to our knowledge is still in its beginning, the presumption of innocence is enjoyed by all, so we have to make the decision András can stay in the A Dal 2014.
Judit Sebok contributed this report from Hungary. Follow her on Twitter at @sjudy03 You can also keep up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by following the team on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.
As he should be able to continue in the competition. Great that he can still participate.
The perpetrators swung first! He was defending his girlfriend! What IS the problem here?! Is he supposed to be a sitting duck and LET them beat him, his friend AND his girlfriend down?
I. Don’t. Think. So!
Not only is this the best song in A Dal, I also think it could do very very well in Copenhagen. I dearly hope that they don’t exclude him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY?
Honestly, if something happened to my sister/girlfriend I would be even worse!!