Eurovision: Nemo Returns His 2024 Trophy to Protest Israel's Participation

Swiss artist Nemo, who won Eurovision 2024 in Sweden, announced on Thursday that he is returning his trophy in protest against Israel's continued participation in the competition, which has already prompted a boycott from five countries.

"As a person and as an artist, I no longer believe this trophy belongs on my shelf," Nemo stated in a video posted on Instagram. He had previously joined calls urging for Israel's exclusion from the world's largest live televised music event.

"Eurovision claims to uphold unity, inclusion, and the dignity of all... However, Israel's ongoing participation, despite the findings of an independent international inquiry (mandated by the) UN that concluded genocide, reveals a clear conflict between these ideals and the decisions made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)," the 26-year-old singer said.

"This isn't about individuals or artists. This is about the fact that the competition has repeatedly been used to enhance the image of a state accused of serious atrocities," Nemo added, becoming the first non-binary artist to win in 2024 amidst controversy over Israel's participation during an ongoing war in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Iceland's public broadcaster RUV announced it would boycott the 2026 edition of Eurovision following the approval of Israel's participation, becoming the fifth country to withdraw from the upcoming contest in Vienna.

Earlier in December, the majority of EBU members deemed it unnecessary to vote on Israel's participation alongside its public broadcaster KAN.

This decision instantly triggered boycott announcements from broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, against the backdrop of criticisms regarding the war in Gaza and accusations of irregularities in voting during previous editions.

"When entire countries withdraw, it's clear that something is seriously wrong. That's why I decided to return this trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva, with gratitude and a clear message: embody your values," Nemo concluded, placing his trophy in a box.