He made an ass of himself during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 by rushing onto the stage and lowering his trousers during Jamala’s performance of “I Believe in U”.

But it’s unlikely that Ukrainian prankster Vitalii Sediuk is laughing about the incident this afternoon, as he may face a fine or jail sentence as a result of his bum-baring antics.

On Saturday Vitalii stormed the stage wearing an Australian flag, prompting social media users to throw shade on the “Aussie” visitor and leading Australian journalist Alistair Birch to express his dismay on behalf of Australian fans during Salvador Sobral’s press conference afterwards.

But as it turns out the flag was just a guise to conceal Vitalii’s identity — and one that was quickly undone after security dragged him off the stage.

The performance marred what was meant to be Jamala’s big send-off after winning Eurovision 2016 and bringing the prestigious event to her country.

And on Sunday Ukrainian authorities made it clear they are not amused, revealing that they had placed the interloper under arrest and that he may face anything from a fine to five years in prison on hooliganism charges. He’s being detained for 72 hours.

Writing on Facebook, the nation’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said: “During the performance of our Jamala, and according to his own words, he decided to realise his hobby as he ‘unofficially works as a provocative journalist.'”

“This is a disgrace to the country, and he will be able to exercise his ‘hobby’ in a prison cell and temporary holding facility.’

Mr Sediuk, who was previously banned from the United States for pulling a stunt on Brad Pitt, has caused problems for celebrities including Gigi Hadid and Kim Kardashian.

In September 2016 he approached supermodel Gigi from behind, wrapped his arms around her and lifted her into the air — before she rightly whacked him in the face. The previous week he had been filmed kissing Kardashian’s bum as she arrived at a Paris restaurant.

Naturally Australians have been wondering aloud whether the incident, which occurred as Europeans were deciding who to vote for, impacted their televote score. Australia was ranked fourth with the juries but second last in televoting.

The public are also curious why the prankster chose to wear an Australian flag. Was he commenting on Australia’s participation in the contest? Was he trying to sabotage their participation in future contests?

Kudos to Jamala, who, like the consummate professional she is, completely ignored what was happening and continued singing.

You can watch her performance here but without the incident…sorry!

What was your reaction to the incident? Do you think it had any impact on Australia’s televote? And are you as impressed with Jamala as we are? Let us know in the comments box below.

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Alistair Birch
6 years ago

For the record – I didn’t apologize – I just expressed the dismay of Australian fans that this had happened.

Amor A
Amor A
6 years ago

This guy is a creep and a pervert. He stuck his head under America Ferrara’s dress at Cannes. He slammed his face into Bradley Cooper’s and Leo DiCaprio’s crotches and tried to feel up Kim K and attacked her and Ciara in France. He needs to stop no one was laughing. I feel bad for Jamala, I was enjoying her performance until he ruined it.

Tamiko
6 years ago

You made certain fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found mainly folks will consent with your blog.

That Greek Girl
That Greek Girl
6 years ago

At first I thought that the guy was Australian because of the flag. Now I know that he was Ukrainian but that doesn’t change anything. Anyway, I doubt that this will have any impact on Australia’s future participations since it was revealed that he’s not Australian. But even if he was, why would Australia be punished just for one dude’s disgraceful act?! As for my reaction, I was looking at my phone at that moment so I didn’t see it but the day after that I decided to watch the Grand Final again on YouTube and when I saw the… Read more »

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

I bet there won’t be a satelite stage next year.

Kim
Kim
6 years ago

What a cringe worthy stunt .It appears he had no purpose other than to interrupt Eurovision .It made me cringe thinking that this ass hat was Australian.It was breakfast time in Australia and his pale coloured ass was in full view of me eating my breakfast.Lets stop giving these idiots any publicity and stop talking about him. He probably has his loser mates telling him it’s all over the internet and he thinks he is a hero for doing it.When I first thought he was an Australian I was shocked and horrified that someone would do this as we are… Read more »

Eli
Eli
6 years ago

This guy is a professional idiot so I don’t know why he is even allowed at events. Maybe 5 years in jail seems like a harsh sentence but he certainly should at least pay a hefty fine, he is so incredibly annoying and this is far from his first unfunny prank. Although I’m happy he didn’t pull that stunt during one of the contestant’s performances. Jamala handled the situation like a true professional.

Danni
Danni
6 years ago

When the streaker went on stage, our commentators jokingly said that we’ve probably lost all our televote points… and then we ended up second-last. I didn’t make that connection until just now.

Still, I doubt the streaker made any impact on Australia’s televote score. I remember the act was immediately followed by the sixty second countdown to the closure of the voting lines, so most of the continent probably would have submitted their votes by that point. At least, I hope anyway.

ado
ado
6 years ago

Put him in jail, Jamala could have had a heart attack, I’m sure she feared for her life. Who knows, maybe she is even pregnant, now that she is married. This is not a joke and he’s not doing it for the first time. It’s obvious that a fine will not stop him.

HBau
HBau
6 years ago

I’m Australian, and I *adore* Jamala. But I thought this was kinda funny. Definitely not 5 years in gaol worthy, anyhow. 5 days, maybe. As far as having an effect on the vote… I doubt it. Might even have earned us a few. We only got two points because, although well sung, the song was super boring. When it was released the reaction was pretty consistent: Isaiah can sing, but why does he have to sing this? And that lead to an appropriately high score from the jury, because you can’t mark down such a strong vocal, and appropriately lackluster… Read more »

Isabella
Isabella
6 years ago
Reply to  HBau

Totally agree with you. I personally loved his cover of Halo at the Wiwi Jam. With a better song & minus the hiccup in the semi’s he would of done much better. People were probably reluctant to vote for him after that embarrassing note. It was like a laughing stock for many as evident in some parodies people posted on youtube. I think he’s very talented and has a bright future ahead of him. I purchased his album of (covers on the x factor). He has such a strong soulful tone which is very similar to Sam Smith. Eurovision is… Read more »

Az Paynter
Az Paynter
6 years ago

Jamala’s performance was the last thing before the final 60 seconds before voting closed, wasn’t it? If the voting period was almost over I don’t think it really would’ve made an impact on our televote. People were just not here for our song (or at the very least, not enough to actually get us into any country’s top 10).

There should absolutely be some degree of consequence for this ass though.

DyGh
DyGh
6 years ago

I just feel sorry for Jamala, she really wanted to show her song to the world and than something like this happens!
The song was actually pretty good and the coolness of Jamala was amazing. She didn’t even look at him when he walked in front of her. A true master in the art!

#MarioVision
#MarioVision
6 years ago

I just despise this prankster…
But my wonder is WHY the ukranians organizers
‘allowed’ to let him enter inside the stadium from the first place??
He had to be banned with a red code from any public show or awards
for long time now…
He had already repeatedly done this many times before,
but the authorities didn’t care enough to do anything
& they just let him keep on doing this..

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Jamala was great! Ok, it wasn’t an amazing performance overall but I liked her new song! A different Jamala!

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

This guy is an idiot. That said, 5 years in jail seems like giant exaggeration, considering second degree murder and rape can bring one a lighter sentence. Is seeing this twat’s behind really more scaring than being raped or killed? I don’t think so. Paying a fine and being blacklisted from ESC events for few years would be a lot better.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

I really liked Jamala’s performance. It’s a good song, too (kinda an 80s tune, but a very nice one).

RNRS
RNRS
6 years ago

Shame! That most certainly was the highlight of the boring performance of a crap song! ? Although Graham (UK commentator) muting the song for about 10seconds to apologise was also kinda good!

Richardinho
Richardinho
6 years ago

I hadn’t thought about this affecting Australia’s vote in the public vote. Pretty sad if it did, and it’s hard to imagine that it didn’t have some effect.

As for punishment, I believe that the punishment should fit the crime, so he should be given a good spanking!

Magistr
Magistr
6 years ago

As an Ukrainian Im very sorry for Australia, and I wish him to get 5 years in reservation (he will not go to jail, dont worry), where he will live be not more than 2.5 years.
By the way i think that this provocation was organized by tsn.ua and 1+1 channel. This is rich and scandalous channel, which specializes on producing trash for the most stupid part of ukrainian auditory (its like “Sun” in UK).

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago

Ok it was not the smartest move but come on he didn’t harm anyone. Ok it was a bit rude and disrespectful but there was no violence. We’ve seen that before in football or rugby, that doesn’t deserve jail time come on. He also has the right to protest the way he wants. We have all seen asses before. Ukraine you want to be a democracy, well then let everyone rebel if they want to. You don’t silence voices, or asses.

gagat
gagat
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

Fully agree. If such an act got to be severly punished it means that democracy is in danger.

Tusán
6 years ago

5 years of jail would be unfair. However, he should pay a hefty fine for the EBU and the Ukrainian broadcaster separately and be banned from all Ukrainian televised events.

indi
indi
6 years ago

Especially in a country at war as Ukraine, and after winning with a song like 1944, probably Jamala thought she’s living her final seconds.

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

As uncalled as this was, even as an Australian, I really hope what ultimately was fairly harmless will not be punished with a jail sentence of 5 five years. Of course I would welcome a fine for a man who seems to be a professional troll.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

i am glad he goes to jail, he is a disgrace to Ukraine and he ruined Jamala’s moment. Also, the idiot used the Australian flag to cover himself.

He needs to be punished.

PePeMartnz
PePeMartnz
6 years ago

Jamala’s song and performance were terrible! I was waiting for something good to come, but thanks to him, I liked it… it was just a prank… he did not punch her or anything.. he only showed his beautiful ass to the world!!

Ern
Ern
6 years ago

Good! Lock him up!

Jamala acted calm, but she was probably terrified by what happened.

CharlieChan
CharlieChan
6 years ago

Australia had already placed very bad at the semi televoting so it hasnt affected a bit I gues…

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago

Qué bueno! Se lo merece!
Admito a Jamala por mantener su compostura. Ella fue muy profesional.
At the end of the day, this favored Jamala: Much more people learnt about her music.

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

*admiro

esc1234
esc1234
6 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

write in english LOL

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

esc1234: Kirby just did. The first sentence reads that he was “glad for Jamala for mantaining her composure” and that’s she really is a professional.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  James

*maintaining

K.
K.
6 years ago

Well, some people were born to be twats.

K.
K.
6 years ago

Well, some people were born to be twats.

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago

It was extra cruel of Sediuk to smear Australia, a country which has only brought good things to the contest

William Lee Adams
Admin
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

So true! Australia brings passion and love to Eurovision!

Tiago
Tiago
6 years ago

William, for when a video reviewing performances and positions of each country in grand final?

Alex M
Alex M
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

I don’t think anyone would blame Australia for this, event if this ass was Australian. There’s always a possibility of some drunk idiot doing stupid things, no matter what country he is from.

Magpie
Magpie
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex M

Apparently some people had already jumped in and blamed Australia before they found out who the prankster actually was.

Had the prankster actually been Australian I would easily suspect that the accusations of Australia being in bed with the juries would be exponentially worse, especially since there is so much tension ever since Jamala won the contest last year. Not only that a representative would have to explain why as outsiders we acted so callously and the EBU might reconsider our participation next year.

Politically speaking, it would be disastrous had we pulled that prank on stage.