Nemo, last year's Eurovision winner for Switzerland, has said they are returning the 2024 trophy in protest over Israel's continued participation, which has already prompted five countries, including Ireland, to pull out of next year's contest.
"I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf," the Swiss vocalist said on Instagram.
The Eurovision Song Contest, the world's biggest live televised music event, is put on by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
On 4 December, members of the world's largest public service media alliance decided no vote was needed on Israel's inclusion in the annual contest.
Widespread opposition to the two-year war in Gaza had led to mounting calls for Israel to be excluded.
RTÉ and public service broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland have announced they are boycotting the 70th edition of the song contest, to be held in Vienna in May.
Eurovision chief addresses Ireland and other countries over boycott
"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."
Iceland's state broadcaster RUV on Wednesday announced it would boycott next year's Eurovision, citing the public debate in the island nation.
Nemo, 26, said that "when entire countries withdraw", "it should be clear that something is deeply wrong".
"That's why I've decided that I'm sending my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva.
"With gratitude and with a clear message:
"Live what you claim.
"If the values we celebrate onstage aren't lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning. I'm waiting for the moment those words and actions align.
"Until then, this trophy is yours."
Some 37 countries took part in the 2025 edition in Basel, Switzerland, won by Austrian operatic singer JJ with Wasted Love.
Around 35 countries are ultimately expected to participate in Vienna.
Source: AFP
