Malta’s Eurovision Song Faces Controversy Over ‘Vulgar’ Lyric Change After BBC Complaint

Malta has decided to alter the words of their Eurovision song to exclude the term “Kant,” as it sounds like a profane word in English, following complaints from the BBC.

According to sources associated with the Maltese delegation, it is being planned that the title of the song may be altered from ‘Kant’ to the last name of the singer, ‘Conte.’

The English-dominant tune has sparked debate due to the Maltese term “kant,” found both in the title and the lyrics, bearing a resemblance to a crude English term for female anatomy.

Although Kant, derived from the Latin word for “singing,” doesn’t carry an offensive connotation in Maltese, it’s undeniably deliberate to use a term that sounds like an English slang for female genitalia in this context.

The song was approved by the European Broadcasting Union, but it is understood the BBC complained.

According to Ofcom regulations, the term “c***” is prohibited from being aired on British television before 9 p.m. Additionally, BBC Radio 2 disc jockey Scott Mills has shared that he is restricted from playing certain songs with explicit or vulgar lyrics due to their content.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but feel disheartened hearing that the iconic “Kant” from our beloved song is set to vanish. Reputable sources have indicated that the lyrics containing this word may be left void or substituted with a mere sound, stripping away its poetic essence.

Malta’s Public Broadcasting Service has handed in an updated rendition of their entry, ensuring it meets the March 10th submission requirement.

However, the nation intends to challenge the EBU’s ruling and will additionally initiate a lawsuit within Switzerland, the host country of Eurovision in May.

On Thursday, Minister Owen Bonnici stated that Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), responsible for airing the Eurovision Song Contest in Malta, is actively seeking ways to contest this decision in the Swiss courts.

Bonnici stated that the ban restricts our freedom to express ourselves and our right to fair treatment, specifically regarding the use of a term that holds a positive and lovely meaning for us Maltese.

‘We will not be taking this lying down,’ he said.

In response to the BBC allegedly asking for changes to its explicit lyrics, the singer of the disputed song, Maria Malta, made a critical remark against the broadcasting corporation.

The Maltese singer appeared on BBC2’s Newsnight as she sought to defend her entry.

On Friday, I expressed my disappointment through a video call when influential broadcasters like the BBC raised concerns about something I said. Upon further reflection, I realized that the misunderstanding was due to a loss in translation; I never meant to cause offense.

I shared some thoughts during a video link interview on Friday and found myself disappointed when influential broadcasters like the BBC raised concerns. In retrospect, it appears that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding caused by poor translation, as I had no intention of offending anyone.

It appears that although the tune was endorsed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), insiders suggest that Miriana is being instructed to modify the title of her song, following what seems to be a complaint or report submitted by an EBU member, believed to be the BBC.

She admitted that she found it somewhat unexpected and a little disheartening. However, her songs have garnered extraordinary praise in the past.

‘Obviously, the word Kant means singing in our language. So you can imagine what power it holds.

It’s regrettable that a broadcaster as significant as the BBC would express such worries. Given that Eurovision is all about promoting cultural diversity and linguistic variety, it seems particularly surprising.

‘That said, we’ve made the adjustments, to ensure the focus remains on the music and the message.

I am confident, and so is my team, that Eurovision offers a valuable chance. We are determined to ensure no obstacles disrupt this opportunity for us.

Miriana had previously shared her disappointment at being asked to change the title of her song.

On Instagram, she posted: “Though I’m stunned and disheartened, given our tight deadline for submitting the song, rest assured, things won’t stop – The diva is not quitting!

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2025-03-10 18:19