Nemo, the Swiss winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, is returning their trophy.
The artist announced the move as a direct protest against Israel’s continued participation in the competition.
The protest comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Nemo, who claimed victory with the hit “The Code,” stated that including Israel contradicts the contest’s core ideals.
A Clash of Values
In a statement released on Thursday, Nemo criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The EBU recently cleared Israel to compete in next year’s event in Austria.
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion, and dignity for all people,” Nemo said. “And these are the values that make this contest so meaningful for me.”
However, the singer argues that permitting Israel to participate creates a “clear conflict.” Nemo believes the decision contradicts the stated ideals of the organization.
The Boycott Widens
Nemo’s protest adds weight to a growing movement of dissent. The EBU currently faces an unprecedented crisis.
Five nations have already withdrawn from the 2026 contest, citing Israel’s conduct in the war.
Iceland became the latest to pull out on Wednesday. They joined a list of nations refusing to take the stage, including:
- Spain
- The Netherlands
- Ireland
- Slovenia
Nemo noted that these withdrawals signal that “something was deeply wrong.”
‘This Trophy is Yours’
The non-binary artist plans to ship the crystal microphone trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva.
Nemo rejected the EBU’s insistence that the competition is non-political. Instead, they argued the platform is being used to “soften the image” of a state accused of severe wrongdoing.
“Live what you claim,” Nemo declared. “If the values we celebrate on stage aren’t lived off stage, then even the most beautiful songs become meaningless.”
The singer concluded with a direct message to the organizers: “I’m waiting for the moment those words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours.”
Israel’s Stance
Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide. The state maintains that it respects international law.
Officials argue that Israel has a fundamental right to defend itself following the cross-border attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
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