Eurovision Star’s Past Actions Surface:

Norwegian Glam Rocker Addresses “Shocking Disclosure”

Twenty years after catapulting to fame at the Eurovision Song Contest, Norwegian glam rock artist Åge Sten Nilsen, known as “Chefs-Wiggen” from the band Wig Wam, is facing renewed scrutiny over his conduct during the 2005 competition.

On-Stage Conduct Under Fire

Australian program director Julia Morris has resurfaced a video from the Kyiv event, alleging that Nilsen behaved inappropriately in the greenroom. Morris, who was presenting for the BBC, described the encounter as “disturbing” in an interview with News.com.au.

According to Morris, Nilsen entered the greenroom where artists were waiting. She stated he “took affair – in a fairly reckless way,” placing his arm around her as she attempted to interview him. Morris found the advance unwelcome.

“Eurovision 2005, Kyiv. BBC. What joy to get to work and then be fed by a bastard. It is part of the job to paste a smile at all times, but the fact that I do not hesitate is just proof of how common this behavior was at that time. I had a miscarriage the week before, so being sexually assumed on live television was exactly what I needed,” she wrote on her Instagram, detailing the incident.

—Julia Morris, Program Director

Nilsen’s Response: Acknowledging Past Mistakes

In response to the resurfaced clip, Åge Sten Nilsen expressed shock and admitted his behavior was inappropriate. He stated that he had already apologized for the incident the year after it occurred and is reiterating his regret now.

“It is not good, and I am completely aware of that. I am the first to admit. Here you just have to lie flat and lament – and I did that on the BBC the following year,” Nilsen told Se og Hør.

Nilsen further explained that at the time of the interview, he had been heavily intoxicated from champagne at the after-party. He suggested that perhaps those around him should have intervened.

“The BBC shouted that I was wanted in the interview chair. Julia wanted to interview me. It should be pointed out that this was an after-party interview. This was quite far in the evening, and unfortunately I was well intoxicated,” he said.

Reflecting on Changed Social Norms

The Norwegian artist acknowledged that while his actions were unacceptable then, they would be even more so today. He believes his reaction was not sexually motivated but a misguided attempt at humor.

“She claims that I was feeling her, but that’s not true,” Nilsen stated. “Put in retrospect, they should certainly do it. Unfortunately, what might have been meant as a joke and a festive stunt went too far.”

Nilsen concluded by emphasizing his accountability: It was not cool done in 2005 – and is not cool done in 2025. But I took the party. At least no one can take me away.

This incident highlights the evolving standards of workplace conduct and media interaction. In 2023, a survey by the Trades Union Congress found that 66% of UK workers had experienced or witnessed workplace harassment, underscoring the importance of consent and respect in professional settings (TUC, 2023).