Swiss Eurovision champion Nemo stated on Thursday that he will return his trophy in response to ongoing protests regarding Israel’s role in the Gaza conflict.
Nemo, a non-binary artist who clinched victory in 2024 with a blend of drum and bass, opera, rap, and rock in the track “The Code,” expressed that Israel’s involvement contradicts the contest’s principles of inclusivity and dignity for everyone.
This announcement follows a recent wave of criticism aimed at the European Broadcasting Union, which permitted Israel to participate in next year’s competition in Austria, subsequently leading five nations to withdraw their entries.
Nemo remarked, “Eurovision promotes unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. These values are what make it significant to me,” in a post on Instagram.
Yet, Nemo continued, “Israel’s ongoing participation, amid findings from the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry that labeled actions as genocide, starkly contrasts these ideals and the EBU’s choices.”
Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, asserting compliance with international law and its right to self-defense.
On Wednesday, Icelandic public broadcaster RUV confirmed that Iceland would not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, who withdrew due to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Nemo reflected on the troubling situation, saying it was clear that significant issues had arisen for numerous countries to step back from the event, and noted that the Eurovision trophy would be returned to the EBU in Geneva.
“It’s not solely about individuals or artists,” he said, “but rather how this contest has been misused to soften the reputation of a state accused of serious violations, despite EBU’s claims of being non-political.”
Nemo also sent a pointed message to the EBU, which draws around 160 million viewers, urging them to align their words with their actions. “Even the most beautiful songs lose significance if the values celebrated on stage aren’t reflected off stage,” he stated.
“I’m looking forward to when your words and actions are in harmony. Until that time arrives, I’ll be returning this trophy to you.”
