Klein was at the location, and even took part in the opening portion of the dress rehearsal. Israeli-born Luxembourg contestant Tali Golergant performed fourth during Friday's rehearsal in Malmo, Sweden. Klein was supposed to take part after, but the EBU moved on to the next contestant, Israeli Eden Golan. As time went on, rumors began to circulate that Klein was blocked from taking part in the rehersal on Friday afternoon either because of a brief incident with Golan during the press conference after the Thursday semi-final, another momentary confrontation with her entourage on Friday, or an unrelated problem back stage.

The EBU has been criticized over Golan's participation, with protestors saying that it was an attempt to use culture to distract people from Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in extensive civilian casualties and vast destruction. A Polish journalist raised the issue during the press conference that immediately followed the semi-final, asking Golan, "Have you ever thought that by being here, you bring risk and danger for other participants and [the] public?"

The host of the media event, Swedish journalist Jovan Radomir, told Golan she did not have to answer the question. "Why not?" exclaimed Klein? He had a Dutch flag wrapped around his head at the moment, as Golan defended her participation in the competition and safety and security at the event.

But sources told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that Klein's Friday afternoon suspension was due to a different incident. Another video surfaced from Israeli television personality Dov Gil-Har, where he was accused of trying to pester Klein to provoke a response. He posted a video he shot of himself backstage, shouting, "Mr. Klein, where were you? We missed you on stage?"