Klemen Slakonja, Slovenia's Eurovision contestant, faced controversy for a video in which he donned blackface while impersonating several past winners, including Dave Benton. While Slakonja acknowledged the criticism and expressed regret, he explained that his intentions were to pay homage through impersonation. Benton defended Slakonja, distinguishing between offensive blackface and the use of dark makeup for performance. Despite this, some fans have called for Slakonja's removal from Eurovision, indicating a divide over the appropriateness of his portrayal.
Throughout my career, I have impersonated over 150 characters, some of whom were people of colour. Growing up in Slovenia, I didn't know it was wrong.
From my side, no offence. To my professional knowledge, Klemen is a very talented performer, singer and artist.
People have to understand that painting an offensive blackface is different from people using dark-coloured make-up.
Some Eurovision fans have called for Slakonja to be kicked out of the contest, calling his portrayal unacceptable.
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