Eurovision 1994 winner becomes latest artist to return trophy because of Israel’s participation

The Irish winner of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, Charlie McGettigan, has reportedly become the second artist to hand back their trophy in protest at Israel’s continued inclusion in the event.

Earlier this month, the contest’s organising body, the European Broadcasting Union, declined to expel Israel over the way it has conducted its war against Hamas in Gaza.

Since that announcement, five countries have announced they plan to boycott the 2026 instalment of the song competition, and 2024 winner Nemo has handed back their trophy.

In a statement posted on their social media pages, the historic musician – who became the first non-binary performer to win the contest in 2024 – said that they “no longer feel this trophy belongs on [their] shelf”.

“Last year I won Eurovision and with it I was awarded the trophy. And even though I’m immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf,” they wrote.

“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me.

“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,” they added.

Now, Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan has reportedly joined the Swiss singer in protesting Israel’s continued involvement. According to Eurovoix.com, McGettigan, who the contest alongside Paul Harrington, made the announcement that he will be returning his winning trophy from the Eurovision Song Contest 1994 to the EBU after Nemo reached out to him via social media to explain why they decided to return their trophy.

In a social media video, McGettigan said: “They came across as sincere and a very intelligent person and stated their case really well, and therefore in support of Nemo, I would like to return my trophy to the EBU as well. Unfortunately, our win was way back in 1994 and I can’t lay my hands on whatever trophy we received back then, but if I do find it, I will return my trophy as well.”

Countries boycotting Eurovision 2026

In addition to the trophy hand-backs, Ireland’s RTÉ have confirmed that they will not take part due to the “loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis” which is ongoing.

In a statement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said that “participation under the current circumstances is incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us”.

Slovenia said: “As a public service broadcaster, RTV Slovenia is committed to upholding ethical principles and expects that equal rules and standards apply to all EBU members and all participating countries.” This was echoed by Netherlands broadcast Avrotos, who cited “the public values that are fundamental to our organisation”.

Spain’s RTVE brought up the threat from September that they would pull out if Israel stayed in the competition.

Also, on Wednesday (10 December), Iceland’s broadcaster, RÚV, announced it was joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting the 2026 event.