Nemo, the Swiss vocalist who became the first openly non-binary artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, has announced they will return their winner’s trophy to the European Broadcasting Union.
The 26-year-old, who triumphed with the song “The Code” in Malmö, revealed the decision on Thursday in an Instagram post, saying Israel’s continued participation in next year’s competition left them unable to keep the award.
“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,” Nemo wrote.
The singer confirmed the microphone-shaped glass award will be delivered to the EBU’s headquarters in Geneva.
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Nemo became the first openly non-binary artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024
|GETTY
In their statement, Nemo accused Eurovision of being “repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing”, while the EBU continues to insist that event is “non-political”.
The artist cited findings from the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces had committed genocide in Gaza.
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me,” Nemo said.
“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.”
Nemo revealed the decision on Thursday in an Instagram post
|GETTY
The musician urged organisers to “live what you claim”, warning that “if the values we celebrate onstage aren't lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning”.
The move comes amid an escalating crisis around this year's Eurovision, with five nations now refusing to take part in the Vienna contest scheduled for May.
Ireland’s RTÉ pulled out of both competing and broadcasting, calling Israel’s participation “unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza”.
Broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia have also withdrawn.
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Iceland became the fifth nation to boycott on Wednesday after RÚV’s board voted against participation following intense public debate.
Their decisions followed an EBU General Assembly meeting where members agreed no vote on Israel’s inclusion was required.
Nemo said that “when entire countries withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong”.
Israel has fiercely rejected the UN commission’s genocide allegations, accusing Hamas of harbouring genocidal intentions against Israel.
President Isaac Herzog defended the country’s right to participate, insisting “Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”.
Israel’s broadcaster Kan welcomed the EBU’s decision to keep the country in the line-up, dismissing claims of political interference.
The Israeli embassy in Norway, which also covers Iceland, said it was “deeply disappointed” by RÚV’s withdrawal and argued the boycott ran “entirely against the spirit of the contest”.
The BBC said it supports the collective decision taken by EBU members, although it has not confirmed whether the UK will send an act to Vienna.
The singer confirmed the microphone-shaped glass award will be delivered to the EBU’s headquarters in Geneva
|GETTY
Shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston said Israel’s inclusion was “absolutely right”, arguing music “should be a uniting force, not a tool to be weaponised for political ends”.
Labour’s Alison McGovern said it would be “really sad” if Eurovision failed to be a “joyful occasion”.
With around six months to go, organisers expect roughly 34 to 35 countries to participate, although several have yet to confirm.
The EBU has previously barred nations, most recently excluding Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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