SBS Threatens To Sue Eurovision Boycott Protesters For Use Of Branding

SBS has threatened legal action against protesters calling for a boycott of next year's Eurovision for using its branding.

The 2019 event is to hosted in Israel next May following Netta Barzilai's win this year, which has resulted in a widespread call to boycott, including by over 100 artists including Roger Waters and Aussie hip hop artist L-FRESH The LION.

As reported by The Guardian, pro-Palestinian activist group, Boycott Divestment & Sanctions Australia (BDS Australia) released a leaflet using the SBS name and logo promoting the boycott, saying that "Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians and the theft of their lands and the discrimination they face inside Israel".

SBS has sent a legal letter to BDS Australia, which says that it must “immediately remove SBS’s trademark from any of your websites, social media pages and any other marketing and promotional material”.

In a statement given to The Music, an SBS spokesperson said, “SBS respects and supports the right for people to express their views.

“SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for 35 years and will continue to do so because of the spirit of the event in bringing people and cultures together in a celebration of diversity and inclusion through music.

“As is common practice for organisations managing and protecting their brand, SBS is in contact with this organisation about their unauthorised use of the SBS logo.”

It comes just days after the first participants of the inaugural Eurovision: Australia Decides event was announced, which will see the public decide who will represent Australia at the global singing contest in 2019.