GENEVA, December 12, 2025 (WAFA) - Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, has said they will return the winner's trophy because Israel is being allowed to compete in the politically troubled pop music competition.
Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, has said they will return the winner's trophy because Israel is being allowed to compete in the politically troubled pop music competition, according to the Pleak website.
In an Instagram video, Nemo held the microphone-shaped glass ornament and said, “Today I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf.”
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion and dignity for all people,” Nemo said in the post Thursday, adding that Israel’s participation shows those ideals are at odds with organizers’ decisions.
Five countries have announced they will boycott the 2026 contest after organizers declined to expel Israel: Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland.
“When entire countries withdraw it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,” Nemo said before placing the trophy in a box they said would be sent to the Geneva headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision.
T.R.
