Romania's Eurovision 2026 Entry 'Choke Me' Faces Ban Calls Over Alleged Glamorization of Violence

The Romanian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, titled Choke Me and performed by Alexandra Căpitănescu, is facing intense calls for a ban from campaigners who allege the song glamorizes sexual strangulation. Organizations including We Can't Consent to This have criticized the track for what they describe as a reckless normalization of a dangerous practice that could encourage violence. The controversy emerged on March 13, 2026, as the song was scrutinized for its lyrical content and the potential message it sends to a global audience. Alexandra Căpitănescu, who gained national fame after winning the 11th season of Vocea României, is set to represent the country as it returns to the competition following a period of absence. The 2026 edition of the contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, in May.

Critics argue that the song's themes present a significant risk by framing a lethal act as a form of entertainment or romantic expression. The group We Can't Consent to This has been particularly vocal, characterizing the entry as a dangerous contribution to the cultural landscape. Romanian media outlets, including HotNews.ro and Libertatea, have reported that the backlash centers on the "dangerous message" that critics believe could lead to real-world harm. The debate has quickly escalated from a local musical discussion to an international controversy involving human rights advocates and safety campaigners. „reckless normalization of a dangerous practice” — We Can't Consent to This via The Guardian The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to be the 70th edition of the event, held at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna after Austria's previous victory. Romania is returning to the competition in 2026 after not participating in the 2024 edition due to financial constraints. Historically, the contest has faced various controversies regarding song lyrics, ranging from political undertones to provocative themes, which are governed by the European Broadcasting Union's strict content guidelines.

The European Broadcasting Union has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the demands to disqualify the Romanian entry. Supporters of the artist may point to artistic freedom, but the specific nature of the allegations regarding sexual violence has prompted a more severe reaction than typical Eurovision provocations. Alexandra Căpitănescu, born in 2003, remains the official representative for Romania as of mid-March. The controversy comes just months before the scheduled semi-finals in Vienna, placing pressure on the Romanian national broadcaster to address the concerns raised by international advocacy groups. Eurovision 2026 Schedule: — ; — ; —