Gadot nixes Eurovision hosting gig

The Israeli superstar actress said scheduling constraints won’t allow it.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Revlon's new Global Brand Ambassador. (photo credit: REVLON PR)
Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Revlon's new Global Brand Ambassador.
(photo credit: REVLON PR)
Israeli actress Gal Gadot has turned down an invitation to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Israel.
Earlier Monday, Ynet first reported the request, and it was confirmed by the Kan public broadcaster, which is hosting next year’s competition. At first, Kan reported that Gadot’s representatives said it was unlikely she would host, but that they would look into it.
Later Monday, Gadot’s Israeli representatives, the ADD Content Agency, said she could not take part.
“Gal would have been happy to host and take part in the Eurovision,” the agency said according to Kan, “but unfortunately scheduling constraints and previous commitments won’t allow it.”
ADD did not respond to a request for comment by The Jerusalem Post.
Gadot just began filming the sequel to Wonder Woman, which comes out in the fall of 2019. She also just announced that she will be producing a new film on Fidel Castro, adding more to the busy actress and model’s workload.
Scheduling issues aside, it is unclear if Gadot would want to take part in an event already under call for boycott from some sectors. Since the Israeli native has found international fame, she has almost never taken part in any public or industry events in Israel.
With Gadot out of the running, the question remains: Who will represent Israel to Eurovision fans next year?
Several have suggested that Bar Refaeli host the competition, or previous Eurovision winner Dana International.
The idea of Assi Azar and Rotem Sela – the hosts of Kochav Haba, the show that selects Israel’s Eurovision contestants – has also been floated.
Last year’s hosts were announced in January, and the 2017 presenters were selected in February.