Full Breakdown
Eurovision Winner Nemo Returns Trophy in Protest Against Israel's Participation
12/12/2025, 4:22:38 AM
Background of the Controversy
Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their song "The Code," has announced their decision to return the winner's trophy in protest against Israel's participation in the upcoming 2026 contest. This decision comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel's military actions have drawn international scrutiny and accusations of genocide from various experts and organizations, including the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry.
Core Event: Trophy Return as Protest
On December 11, 2025, Nemo publicly declared their intention to return the trophy via an Instagram video, stating, “Today I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf.” They emphasized that the Eurovision Song Contest, which claims to stand for "unity, inclusion, and dignity for all," is in direct conflict with the decision to allow Israel to compete, given its conduct in the ongoing war against Hamas. Nemo's protest is part of a broader backlash against the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which has faced criticism for not expelling Israel from the competition despite calls from several member countries.
Boycotts and Withdrawals
Nemo's actions have coincided with a significant boycott of the 2026 Eurovision by five countries: Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland. These nations have announced their withdrawal following the EBU's decision to retain Israel's eligibility to participate. Nemo remarked, “When entire countries withdraw, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,” highlighting the growing discontent with the EBU's stance.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the protests, the Israeli broadcaster Kan welcomed the decision to keep Israel in the contest, asserting that it deserves representation on international stages. Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world.” Conversely, critics, including members of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, have condemned the EBU for not holding a vote on Israel's participation, arguing that the organization has failed to uphold its stated values.
Criticism & Opposition
Nemo's protest has garnered support from various artists and commentators who view the Eurovision as a platform that should not be used to "soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing." They argue that the EBU's insistence on political neutrality contradicts the realities of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics have pointed out that the contest has historically been embroiled in political controversies, as seen with Russia's expulsion following its invasion of Ukraine.
What's Next
As the 2026 Eurovision approaches, scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, the situation remains fluid. The EBU has indicated it will implement "additional safeguards" to prevent political interference, but the future of the contest is uncertain amid the ongoing boycotts and protests. Nemo's return of the trophy serves as a significant statement in the ongoing discourse surrounding the intersection of art, politics, and international relations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me,” — Nemo, Eurovision Winner
- “This is not about individuals or artists. It's about the fact that the contest was repeatedly ?used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insists that this contest is non-political,” — Nemo, Eurovision Winner
- “When entire countries withdraw it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,” — Nemo, Eurovision Winner
- “If the values we celebrate on stage aren't lived off stage, then even the most beautiful songs become meaningless.” — Nemo, Eurovision Winner
