In response to the 2011 accusations, Houdek released a statement on his Facebook page, apologising for his comments but stating that the accusations were levelled “to discredit me and the other nominees”.
“Love is my main driver in life and I really have nothing against love of any kind.”
Portugal’s Salvador Sobral won the competition with the soulful ‘Amar Pelos Dois’, with the 27-year-old describing his win as a “victory for music”.
“It is not true that I am a homophobe, which can be confirmed by my friends, colleagues and acquaintances from business circles who are gay,” he said.