Ask Onix
Nemo returns Eurovision trophy in protest
Last year's Eurovision Song Contest winner, Nemo, has announced they are returning their trophy to protest Israel's ongoing involvement in the competition. The Swiss singer, who made history as the first non-binary winner, said the decision conflicts with the contest's stated values of unity and inclusion.
Conflict with Eurovision's values
In a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, Nemo cited a United Nations report concluding that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. They argued that allowing Israel to compete undermines the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) core principles.
"Israel's continued participation, during what the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows a clear conflict between those ideals and the decision made by the EBU."
Nemo
The singer shared a video of themselves packing the trophy into a cardboard box, stating it would be sent back to the EBU's headquarters in Geneva. Despite their decision, Nemo expressed gratitude for the Eurovision community and the personal growth the experience brought.
EBU responds to Nemo's decision
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said the organization was "saddened" by Nemo's choice but respected their views. In a statement to BBC News, Green acknowledged Nemo's rightful victory in 2024 and affirmed they would remain "a valued part of the Eurovision family."
Growing boycotts and controversy
Israel's participation in Eurovision has sparked widespread debate, particularly following the war in Gaza. Five countries-Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands-have announced boycotts of next year's event in protest.
This year's competition was also marred by a voting controversy and allegations that Israel's government attempted to influence the public vote. The EBU responded by tightening rules, and a majority of members later agreed that no further vote on Israel's participation was necessary.
Israel defends its inclusion
Israel's President Isaac Herzog praised the EBU's decision to allow the country to compete, calling it a "gesture of solidarity." Israel has previously described its continued participation as a "victory" over critics.
Nemo emphasized that their protest was not directed at individual artists but at the broader use of Eurovision to "soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing." They added, "If the values we celebrate on stage aren't lived off stage, even the most beautiful songs become meaningless."
Background on the Gaza conflict
The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, more than 70,370 people have died in Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Next year's Eurovision, marking the contest's 70th anniversary, is scheduled to take place in Vienna.
