Eurovision Winner Nemo to Return Trophy in Protest\n\nNemo, the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest winner, has announced their intention to return their trophy. This action is cited as a protest against Israel's continued participation in the event.\n\n## Stated Reasons for Protest\n\nThe 26-year-old Swiss singer stated a "clear conflict" exists between Israel's involvement in the competition and the contest's stated ideals of "unity, inclusion and dignity."\n\n## Context of Israel's Participation\n\nIsrael's presence at Eurovision has been a source of tension. This tension is attributed to the conflict in Gaza and a voting controversy during the 2024 event. Five countries—Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—have announced a boycott of the 2025 event, citing Israel's inclusion as their reason. Israel had previously described the decision to remain in the contest as a "victory" against critics.\n\n## Nemo's Previous Statements and EBU's Response\n\nNemo, who became the first non-binary performer to win Eurovision with their song "The Code," had previously spoken to the BBC about challenges faced during the contest. They expressed a perception that organizers did not adequately support participants affected by the debate surrounding Israel's 2024 inclusion. Nemo stated at the time, "I felt very alone. I really hope they have things in place for the next year." This prompted the introduction of new measures by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) aimed at protecting the mental well-being of Eurovision artists and staff.\n\n## Instagram Statement and Trophy Return\n\nOn Thursday, Nemo posted a statement on Instagram indicating that the EBU's decision to allow Israel's continued participation no longer aligned with its core values. Nemo stated, "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," referencing a report released in September. Nemo further added, "Even though I am immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf."\n\nA video was also posted by Nemo, depicting the trophy being placed in a cardboard box. Nemo stated that it would be returned to the EBU's headquarters in Geneva.