Germany withdraws controversial Eurovision contestant

(AGI) London, Nov 23 - Germany has withdrawn its contestant,Xavier Naidoo, from the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. Naidoo,who is 44 and of Indian and African origin, has previously beenaccused of using anti-Semitic slurs and homophobic language inhis songs. The news of his withdrawal was announced by the BBC.A storm of criticism had blown up on German public ARDtelevision, after anti-racist organisations complained aboutGermany's decision to nominate Naidoo. Director ofentertainment Thomas Schreiber stressed that "Xavier Naidoo isa brilliant singer who is, according to my own opinion, neitherracist nor homophobe. It was clear that his nomination wouldpolarise opinions, but we were surprised about the negativeresponse." Mr Schreiber added that "the Eurovision Song Contestis a fun event, in which music and the understanding betweenEuropean people should be the focus. This characteristic mustbe kept at all costs. The ongoing discussion about Naidoo couldharm the image of the Eurovision Song Contest. Therefore,Xavier Naidoo will not represent Germany and we will soon finda replacement." Naidoo, born of a Cingalese father and a SouthAfrican mother, was harshly criticised in 2014 for taking partin a demonstration organised by the Neo-Fascist Reichsbuergegroup on the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Germany.(AGI). .