Cornald Maas said he had received many reactions after describing the Eurovision Song Contest as a unifying celebration that should continue to exist. He said some criticism, including from people in the cultural sector, accused him of wanting to celebrate at the expense of children killed in Gaza. Maas said the issue had caused strong reactions.

He spoke at Het Grote Songfestival in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, which he and Edsilia Rombley were due to present. Maas said the event was being held without the EBU and NPO, and that his affection for the Eurovision Song Contest remains despite the apparent end of his long-standing role around it.