Eurovision Winners Return Shattered Trophy in Protest Over Israel's Inclusion.

Nemo's Symbolic Gesture

According to Novyny.live: In a striking act of protest, the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest winners, the band Nemo, returned their broken winner's trophy to organizers at the end of 2025. This symbolic act was a direct response to the decision by the contest's governing body, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), not to exclude Israel from the competition. The trophy, shattered and wrapped in toilet paper, served as a powerful statement from the artists.

Boycott and Backlash

Israel's planned participation in the 2026 Eurovision contest has already sparked significant backlash, leading to a boycott by five countries—the largest such boycott in the event's history. The 2026 contest is scheduled for May in Vienna, where Israel will be represented by artist Noam Bettan. The Eurovision Song Contest, while ostensibly non-political, has frequently been a platform for geopolitical tensions.

We regret that Nemo has returned the trophy they rightfully won in 2024. We respect the deeply held views Nemo expressed at the time, and Nemo will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision Song Contest family. We have nothing further to add.

The European Broadcasting Union

This situation underscores how major cultural events can become arenas for political protest and controversy. Nemo's position reflects broader social and political sentiments within society and calls into question the role of art amid global conflict. Israel's participation continues to provoke not only emotional reactions but also unites and divides nations around shared values that are often in tension with one another.