Following the recent 95th EBU General Assembly and confirmation of Israel’s continued Eurovision participation, Nemo is returning their trophy for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in protest.
🇨🇭 Nemo returns Eurovision Song Contest 2024 trophy
Switzerland’s Eurovision Song Contest 2024 winner Nemo has announced on social media that they are returning the crystal microphone trophy to the EBU. This is in protest to the continued participation of Israel in the contest.
Last year I won Eurovision and with it I was awarded the trophy.
And even though I’m 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. Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me.
But 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 decisions made by the EBU.
This is not about individuals or artists.
The contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insisted Eurovision is “non-political.”
And when entire countries withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong.
That’s why I’ve decided that I’m sending my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva. With gratitude and with a clear message:
Live what you claim.
If the values we celebrate onstage aren’t lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.
I’m waiting for the moment those words and actions align.
Until then, this trophy is yours.
Nemo
Following the recent General Assembly, five broadcasters confirmed their withdrawal from Eurovision 2026: Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia.
Martin Green the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, has responded to the BBC regarding Nemo’s decision to return the Eurovision 2024 trophy:
“We’re saddened that Nemo wishes to return their trophy which they deservedly won in 2024. We respect the deeply held views Nemo has expressed and they will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision family.”
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