Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo has sparked controversy by announcing plans to return their 2024 victory trophy in protest of Israel's inclusion in the upcoming competition. The decision comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) cleared Israel to participate in next year's event in Austria, prompting several countries to announce they will boycott the contest.
Nemo took to Instagram to post a video showing them placing the trophy in a box set to be sent back to the EBU's Geneva headquarters. In a statement accompanying the clip, Nemo expressed outrage at what they saw as a hypocrisy between the EBU's stated values of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all people, and its decision to allow Israel to compete.
"Israel says it stands for unity, for inclusion and dignity for all people," Nemo said. "But when entire countries withdraw because we say that is not true, then something is deeply wrong."
Nemo's comments are a significant blow to the EBU, which had sought to promote its values of inclusivity and respect through this year's competition. The decision by several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland, to boycott Eurovision in protest at Israel's inclusion has already sparked widespread debate.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by the EBU in balancing competing demands for artistic expression with concerns over politics and human rights. Next year's competition is scheduled to take place in Austria, but it remains to be seen how Nemo's decision will affect the event.
Nemo's comments also echo those of Palestinian activists and human rights groups, who have long criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. The country's military has continued to attack the enclave despite a ceasefire with Hamas reached back in October.
In response to Nemo's announcement, EBU contest director Martin Green said that the organisation respected their "deeply held views" but expressed sadness at what they saw as an attempt by Nemo to undermine the values of the contest.
Nemo took to Instagram to post a video showing them placing the trophy in a box set to be sent back to the EBU's Geneva headquarters. In a statement accompanying the clip, Nemo expressed outrage at what they saw as a hypocrisy between the EBU's stated values of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all people, and its decision to allow Israel to compete.
"Israel says it stands for unity, for inclusion and dignity for all people," Nemo said. "But when entire countries withdraw because we say that is not true, then something is deeply wrong."
Nemo's comments are a significant blow to the EBU, which had sought to promote its values of inclusivity and respect through this year's competition. The decision by several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland, to boycott Eurovision in protest at Israel's inclusion has already sparked widespread debate.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by the EBU in balancing competing demands for artistic expression with concerns over politics and human rights. Next year's competition is scheduled to take place in Austria, but it remains to be seen how Nemo's decision will affect the event.
Nemo's comments also echo those of Palestinian activists and human rights groups, who have long criticized Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. The country's military has continued to attack the enclave despite a ceasefire with Hamas reached back in October.
In response to Nemo's announcement, EBU contest director Martin Green said that the organisation respected their "deeply held views" but expressed sadness at what they saw as an attempt by Nemo to undermine the values of the contest.
... Nemo's decision is gonna be a wild card for Eurovision 2025 
, i dont know if its right or wrong but we gotta respect their perspective on this one 
. seems to me like the EBU needs to take another look at their inclusivity policies and make some changes 
. Israel's actions towards Palestinians are super concerning and nemos decision is a reminder that words matter 
... Austria might want to rethink hosting Eurovision in 2025 
its all about being consistent with what u say vs whats actually happening on the ground. but at the same time, boycotts can be super damaging to artists and countries 
like, nemo just won eurovision, dont they deserve a chance to perform next year? 
They're speaking truth, you know? It's all about standing up for what's right and not being afraid to ruffle a few feathers. The EBU needs to get its act together and actually live up to its own values instead of just saying they care 
. I mean, if Israel can't even be trusted to represent the values of unity, inclusion, and dignity, then maybe it's best to take them out of the competition altogether 
. And honestly, if other countries are willing to boycott because of this issue, then I say we should be right behind them 
. We need more people speaking up like Nemo and demanding change 
!
- i mean its not easy bein a winner, especially when ur country does somethin u cant agree w/... i think its cool dat nemo spoke out, but also kinda sad dat it had to come down 2 boycotts & all that drama 
. I mean, I get why Nemo wants to make a statement about Israel's inclusion in Eurovision, but returning the trophy? That's like, a huge step back for the cause 
. And now all these countries are boycotting the contest... it's gonna be so disappointing 
. The EBU is trying to promote unity and respect, but I guess that means they're willing to compromise on some values 
. Can't we just have a Eurovision with no politics? 
That would be amazing 
. But for now, it's like the music industry just got sucked into another drama 
.
. It feels like a bit of a slippery slope when countries start boycotting because of politics 
. One thing's for sure, though - next year's contest is gonna be super interesting to watch 
.
. Nemo's right to speak out, even if it means returning the trophy 
. can't just ignore human rights issues because they don't fit into a comfy narrative of unity and inclusivity 
.
. This controversy is going to make next year's Eurovision even more interesting, I'm sure of it 
. And what's up with these countries boycotting anyway? You're all gonna take a stand for some Palestinian cause, but when it comes down to it, you're still gonna be watching Nemo slay on stage 
... I mean, who am I kidding? The EBU's gotta have some kinda backbone here 
. but at the same time, i get why the ebu might be like, "okay, we value unity and inclusion, so let's not make a big deal out of this" 
. I think Nemo's right to be upset about it tho 
... like, what does that even accomplish? 
Do they think just by sending it back, they'll change Israel's mind or something? 
. It's like, one thing is to have different opinions and disagree, but another thing is to actively harm people. The EBU needs to listen to Nemo and do some soul-searching about its own values. Can't we all just get along? 
. Anyway, it's not going to be easy for the Eurovision crew next year... but hey, at least Nemo is setting an example