Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo, the 26-year-old Swiss singer, has announced the return of their trophy. Nemo stated that this action is in response to Israel's continued involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Stated Reasons for Return
Nemo cited a "clear conflict" between Israel's participation and the stated ideals of the contest, which include "unity, inclusion, and dignity." This statement was made following the contest where Nemo became the first non-binary performer to win with the song "The Code," which addresses their journey to realizing a non-binary identity.
Context of Israel's Participation
Israel's presence in the Eurovision Song Contest has been a subject of increasing discussion, specifically due to the conflict in Gaza and a voting controversy during the 2024 event. Five countries, namely Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have publicly stated their intention to boycott the 2025 contest in protest of Israel's continued participation. Israel has previously characterized the decision to remain in the contest as a "victory" against attempts to silence it.
Previous Concerns and EBU Actions
Following their 2024 win, Nemo previously spoke about feeling unsupported by organizers during the controversy surrounding Israel's inclusion, stating, "I felt very alone." This feedback contributed to the introduction of new measures by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) aimed at supporting the mental well-being of Eurovision artists and staff.
Latest Statement and Action
In a statement released on Instagram on Thursday, Nemo reiterated that the EBU's decision to permit Israel's continued participation no longer aligns with the contest's fundamental values. Nemo referenced a report from the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry, released in September, which concluded that the situation involved "genocide." Nemo's statement concluded, "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." A video accompanying the statement showed Nemo placing the trophy into a box, indicating it would be sent to the EBU's headquarters in Geneva.