Eurovision host and heiress to the multi-billion dollar jewellery company of the same name, Victoria Swarovski, has hit back at claims nepotism helped her get to her current position.
This year, the 32-year-old is hosting the Europe-wide song competition in her home country of Austria, and she was previously a pop singer before hosting the German version of Strictly Come Dancing.
She also has her own fashion brand, ORIMEI, and so decided against wearing Swarovski jewellery during the grand final of Eurovision on the weekend in order to put distance between herself and the family name.
“I just found it was too obvious … when you when you read through some articles in Germany, in the beginning, it was always, ‘She’s just supported by her family, she made her career just because of her family’,” she told The Mirror.
“And now … it’s like a turning point where people recognise, ‘Okay, she is working her ass off’.”
Swarovski was founded by her ancestor Daniel Swarovski in 1895.
Victoria’s father, Paul, continues to work at the company, which has been largely family-run since it’s inception 131 years ago.
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The company, which is known for selling its crystal jewellery and accessories, is now worth $US4.8 billion (approx. $6.6 billion), of which Victoria stands to inherit a part.
The former pop star was previously married to real estate investor Werner Mürz, but they split in 2022.
She is currently in relationship with Mark Mateschitz, the billionaire owner of 49 per cent of Red Bull, which was founded by his father.
It’s not the only controversy Eurovision has seen this year.
Fans were shocked when Boy George was eliminated from the song competition, despite his reputation.
Appearing alongside fellow San Marino representative Senhit, the ’80s music icon and the Italian-born singer performed the song they co-wrote to raucous reception.
Donning a variation of his signature oversized hat and emerging on a glittering throne, the theatrics were sadly not enough to secure the necessary votes for the pair to progress.
Though they failed to secure the tiny nation a place in Saturday’s showpiece, George met the disappointing news with a smile and a wave.
Senhit, 46, was just as gracious in defeat after what was her fourth failed Eurovision title attempt.
Taking to social media platform X, Boy George expressed his disappointment at having lost out on a place in the finals, but thanked his fans for their support nonetheless.
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“If you voted for us, thank you so much,” the Culture Club frontman began the post.
“I was sad we didn’t get through to the final but my @eurovision experience has been fabulous. I wouldn’t take a minute of it back.
“Thanks to @senhitofficial and the entire San Marino delegation. What a fun bunch.”
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