A complaint has been filed with the Swedish Media Authority regarding a gospel sketch featured in the Melodifestivalen competition.
The complaint is signed by Anna Toledano Book, but the artist herself is remaining tight-lipped about whether she submitted it.
“I’ll let the clever people speculate on that,” Anna Book said.
Foto: OLLE SPORRONG
Foto: SVEN LINDWALL
The complaint as it was submitted.
Foto: Mediemyndigheten
Anna Book, 55, is a veteran of Melodifestivalen, having competed three times and being inducted into the competition’s Hall of Fame in 2020. Now, a complaint has been filed with the Swedish Media Authority in her name.
The complainant alleges that a sketch during the second semi-final of Melodifestivalen crossed a line, as Bloggbevakning first reported.
“I believe that the Christian faith and Jesus were treated in a very offensive way,” the complaint reads. “I was also involved to some extent when two pictures of me were shown in ‘the bible’ and my name was used to make fun of me: Anna Book.”
The complainant continued, “I reacted strongly to this and was genuinely upset.”
The sketch, which portrayed Melodifestivalen as a religion, was performed by host Hampus Nessvold with a gospel choir. A lyric in the song stated, “Yes, People can turn to the next page of life’s Anna Book.”
Anna Book’s Cryptic Response
When reached for comment by Expressen, Anna Book offered a cryptic response regarding whether or not she submitted the complaint.
“I feel no necessitate to either confirm or deny. I actually want to let the clever people speculate on that.”
She did confirm that she watches the reveal every week and previously declined an invitation to participate in a sketch where artists roasted each other.
