With less than a couple of weeks to go until Junior Eurovision 2024 takes place in Madrid, preparations in full swing for the contest. However, amid preparations, it has been reported that Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision 2024 representative Artem Kotenko has been facing cyberbullying from Russian bots.
Not the first time cyberbullying from Russian Bots has been received
The report of Cyberbullying of Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision 2024 representative was reported by Suspilne: Kultura, where Svitlana Tarabarova, the music producer of this year’s selection reveals that this was not the first instance that this has occurred.
Last year’s representative Anastasia Dymid also faced the same issue, where the team managed to limit her phone usage. However, this time, it was difficult as Artem has access to his socials and independently posts, with Svitlana mentioning that Artem took the comments painfully:
We analyzed: these are Russian bots, a real attack. This year, we did not remain silent, because our goal is to use this example to protect our children, to raise the topic of cyber security in social networks. We explained to Artem that these comments should not affect him. He — a handsome, talented, incredible boy with a very strong song, who has every chance to become No. 1
Upon this latest development, Artem himself has posted on his social media commenting on the situation encouraging everyone to be kind:
Don’t bully, don’t hate, but support, because only the strong can give their support to others!
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of hate. Yes, it’s unpleasant, because on my social media pages, I share my creativity and my life without offending anyone. At first, I didn’t expect it to be this uncomfortable… 😥
Then I started wondering, how many kids endure the same thing? At school, in college, and in life overall?
Friends, we need to be kinder, more humane, and lead by example, showing that love, support, and understanding will always triumph over negativity, hate, and bullying! Let’s hold on, believe in ourselves and our dreams!!!
Ukraine’s Junior Eurovision Journey
In 2006, Ukraine made their debut to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, with Nazar Slyusarchuk and the song “Khlopchyk Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Хлопчик рок ‘н’ ролл), which placed 9th. Since their debut, the Eastern European nation has participated 17 times, and even won once in 2012 with Anastasiya Petryk and her song “Nebo” (Небо).
In 2023, Ukraine selected its representative through a national final, which Anastasia Dymyd won with “Kvitka”. She placed 5th, receiving 128 points from the jury and online vote.
Are you looking forward to seeing Ukraine at Junior Eurovision in Madrid? As always, let us know what you think by commenting down below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Junior Eurovision 2024!
News Source: Suspilne Kultura
Photo Credit: Valeriia Mezentseva/UA:PBC
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