Romania’s Eurovison entry “Choke Me” has provoked outrage over claims that it promotes sexual violence that can lead to brain damage.
The phrase “choke me” is repeated 30 times in the three-minute song and anti-sex violence campaigners say it taps into intimate violence against women. Other lines such as “It’s hard to breathe in” and “make my lungs explode”, have also been targeted by critics.
Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University, one of the critics, told the Guardian.
“The repeated use of the phrase “choke me” in a sexual context shows a worrying disregard for the health and well-being of young women. Romania’s selection of the song and its promotion through Eurovision may contribute to the normalization of a dangerous practice.”
Scientists and experts cite research that has shown that sexual strangulation causes serious health problems, such as brain damage, and disorders associated with anxiety and depression.
Some Eurovision fans are also asking the European Broadcasting Union to change the lyrics or even disqualify the song.
But Romanian artist Alexandra Căpitănescu has defended the entry, explaining that it deals with emotional pressure and self-doubt.
Romania competes in the first half of the second semi-final on Thursday, May 14, claiming one of the ten tickets to the final on Saturday, May 16.
The 70th edition of the contest – will take place in Vienna, after Austrian singer JJ won last year with his operatic ballad, “Wasted Love”.
The contest will feature 35 countries including Romania.
