Malta will change the lyrics of its Eurovision entry lyrics to remove the word Kant, which means singing in Maltese, after the BBC complained because of its similarity to a vulgar word.

Sources close to the Maltese delegation told the Times of Malta that said the song тιтle will tentatively change from Kant to the surname of the song’s singer ‘Conte’.

The song, which is mostly in English, has garnered controversy because the Maltese word kant, used as the тιтle and in the lyrics, sounds like a vulgar English word referring to the female anatomy.

But while kant, from the Latin cantus, does mean ‘singing’ and does not have a rude meaning in Maltese, the play on the English slang word for female genitalia is clearly intentional.

The song was approved by the European Broadcasting Union, but it is understood the BBC complained.

Ofcom rules state the word ‘c**t’ cannot be used on British television before 9pm, and BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills also previously said he’s not allowed to play the song due to its rude lyrics.

Malta will change the lyrics of its Eurovision entry lyrics to remove the word Kant, which means singing in Maltese, after the BBC complained because of its similarity to a vulgar word

Sources close to the Maltese delegation told the Times of Malta that said the song тιтle will tentatively change from Kant to the surname of the song’s singer ‘Conte’

Now kant will be removed from the lyrics of the song, with sources confirming that the parts of the song containing the word will likely be left without a lyrical replacement or even replaced with a simple sound.

Malta’s Public Broadcasting Service has submitted a revised version of the song to comply with the March 10 ᴅᴇᴀᴅline.

But the country will still be appealing the EBU’s decision and will also be taking legal action in Switzerland, the country where Eurovision will be held this May.

On Thursday, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said PBS, which broadcasts the Eurovision Song Contest in Malta, was ‘actively exploring legal avenues to challenge this decision in the Swiss courts’.

Bonnici said the ban ‘impinges on freedom of expression and the right to non-discrimination – in this case concerning us Maltese and the right to utilise a word which in our language is positive and beautiful’.

‘We will not be taking this lying down,’ he said.

It comes as the controversial song’s singer’s Maria Malta’s took a swipe at the BBC after the broadcaster reportedly demanded her song change its X-rated lyrics.

The Maltese singer appeared on BBC2’s Newsnight as she sought to defend her entry.

The song, which is mostly in English, has garnered controversy because the Maltese word kant, used as the тιтle and in the lyrics, sounds like an English vulgar word

Kant, from the Latin cantus, does mean ‘singing’ and does not have a rude meaning in Maltese

Speaking via video link on Friday the star said she was ‘disappointed’ that broadcasters as ‘influential as BBC’ would raise such concerns, when it is simply a case of lost in translation and she never intended to offend.

While the song had been approved by the European Broadcasting Union, sources have told The Sun that Miriana has been told to change the тιтle of her song after a ‘reported was submitted by an EBU member – understood to be the BBC.’

She said: ‘Honestly, it was a bit surprising, and those were a bit disappointing. I’ve had incredible feedback when it comes to my song.

‘Obviously, the word Kant means singing in our language. So you can imagine what power it holds. 

‘It’s unfortunate that, broadcasters as influential as BBC would raise such concerns. Especially considering Eurovision’s spirit of celebrating cultural diversity and languages. 

Now Kant will be removed from the lyrics of the song, with sources confirming that the parts of the song containing the word will likely be left without a lyrical replacement

Speaking via video link on Friday the star said she was ‘disappointed’ that broadcasters as ‘influential as BBC’ would raise such concerns

‘That said, we’ve made the adjustments, to ensure the focus remains on the music and the message. 

‘I believe and also my team believes that Eurovision is an opportunity and we want to make sure that nothing dissects it.’

Miriana had previously shared her disappointment at being asked to change the тιтle of her song.

She wrote on Instagram: ‘While I’m shocked and disappointed, especially since we have less than a week to submit the song, I promise you this: the show will go on – Diva NOT down.’