Robin Juhkental, an Estonian musician, opened up about the harsh treatment he encountered after returning from Eurovision, revealing that he was physically attacked 22 times and subjected to verbal abuse on the streets because of his performance. He indicated that this ongoing bullying has contributed to moments of depression he has experienced. His reflections come in light of his criticism of the internet trolling that erupted on social media after Vanilla Ninja won the Eesti Laul competition.

Juhkental highlighted that the Eesti Laul final results were highly contested, with three competitors sharing the votes fairly evenly. He noted that with two-thirds of the audience dissatisfied with the outcome, it revealed a broader issue concerning mental health crises instigated by competitive events in the public eye. The abuse did not just stop at the music itself, as he recounted the degrading remarks directed at his attire and personal appearance, indicating a worrying trend where public figures are subjected to relentless scrutiny and negativity.

His comments shine a light on the societal issues surrounding public competitions and the effect they have on those involved, especially in a tight-knit cultural backdrop like Estonia. Juhkental's experiences should prompt a wider discussion about mental health in the entertainment industry and the responsibilities of audiences in fostering a supportive, rather than hostile, environment for performers.