Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, has said he is returning his trophy in protest against Israel's participation in the next edition.
The 26-year-old stated that there is "a clear conflict" between Eurovision's ideals of "unity, inclusion and dignity for all" and the decision to allow Israel to compete.
In a statement published on social media, he writes:
"Although I am incredibly grateful for the community around this competition and everything this experience has taught me as a person and as an artist, today I no longer feel that this trophy belongs to me."
His decision deepens the crisis surrounding Eurovision 2026, which is already facing a boycott by five countries due to Israel's war in Gaza.
After the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) refused to expel Israel over its handling of the war, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia announced they would boycott the contest. Iceland joined them on Wednesday, after its national television board decided not to participate.
In his statement, Nemo said:
"This is not about individuals or artists. The contest has been used repeatedly to soften the image of a country accused of serious violations, while the EBU insists that Eurovision is 'non-political'. And when entire countries withdraw because of this contrast, it becomes clear that something is wrong. That is why I have decided to send my trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva."
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Israeli public television praised the decision to keep Israel in the competition, denying any political interference. Israeli President Isaac Herzog declared that Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage in the world.”
On Wednesday, the Israeli embassy in Norway, which also covers relations with Iceland, said it was "disappointed" by the Icelandic television station's decision, saying it went "completely against the spirit of the competition."
With six months left, 34 countries are scheduled to participate in the next edition, but some have yet to confirm.
The British broadcaster, which selects the representative through an internal process, has said it supports the decisions taken by the EBU summit, but has not clarified whether this support means participation or not.
An EBU spokesperson said:
"We are sad that Nemo wants to return the trophy he deservedly won in 2024. We respect his opinion and he will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision family."
