Nemo Hands Back Eurovision Trophy Over Israel’s Inclusion

Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, announced Thursday that they are returning their trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the competition amid the Gaza war.

Nemo, who is nonbinary and won with the genre-blending song “The Code,” said in a video that the Eurovision trophy "no longer belongs on my shelf" given what they described as a contradiction between the contest’s stated values of inclusion and dignity and the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to compete in 2026.

The announcement came as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) reaffirmed Israel’s eligibility, rejecting demands to expel the country following pressure from activists and national broadcasters. The decision has led to a boycott by five countries: Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

"Even though I am immensely grateful for the community around this contest… today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf,” Nemo said.

The protest follows the release of a UN inquiry report that accused Israel of actions consistent with genocide, a claim Israel has rejected. Nemo cited the report as a basis for their decision, saying Eurovision’s ideals were in conflict with allowing Israel’s participation “during what the UN... concluded to be a genocide.”

Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green expressed disappointment, saying the organization was “saddened” by Nemo’s choice but respects the right to protest.

The 2026 contest is scheduled for Vienna, following Austria’s 2025 win in Basel. Despite controversy, Israel’s broadcaster Kan remains in good standing with the EBU, which maintains Eurovision is a contest for public broadcasters not a political forum. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.