TRT World

Irish singer Charlie McGettigan, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, said he will return his trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the competition, joining Swiss singer Nemo, the 2024 winner, in the symbolic move.

McGettigan said he plans to send the trophy to the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, after being contacted by Nemo to explain their decision in returning the 2024 award. McGettigan won the contest alongside fellow Irish singer Paul Harrington.

The protest comes amid growing controversy over Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision. Following confirmation that Israel will remain in the competition, broadcasters in Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain announced they would withdraw from the 2026 contest.

Israeli singer Noa Kirel, who represented Israel at the 2023 Eurovision and finished third, criticised countries withdrawing from the contest, calling the boycott of Israel anti-Semitic.

1 day ago | [YT] | 29,372



@timofey-sak

Not wanting to be on one stage with a representative of an officially recognized genocidal country is not anti-Semitic. It's anti-genocide.

1 day ago | 1,800

@DyllDomin

Anti-genocide, NOT “anti-semetic”

1 day ago | 2,000

@dlyfdbckchnln8rak

Thanks. So tired of the simplistic accusation of anti-semitism for expressing outrage at genocide. No-one used a trope when the Rohinga, Tutsis, Rwandans, etc were slaughtered.

1 day ago | 721

@eddjordan2399

It's not anti-semitic it's anti genocide.

1 day ago | 354

@itzelouise8714

5 countries have ethics, FIVE!!!

1 day ago | 181

@dymar-c2h

They still dare to calling other anti semitic. This demons really shameless.

1 day ago | 1,000

@SearingRage

Ireland 🇮🇪 best western count

1 day ago (edited) | 450

@RoyalRedWindSeer

Respect to Mr. McGettigan.

1 day ago | 159

@davidlundy3677

A gentleman. Well done to him and Nemo.

1 day ago | 57

@perm4125

Respect and kudos to this guy for standing up for morality, humanity and compassion. 🙏👏

1 day ago | 69

@estrela3889

Returning the trophy is a powerful statement! We can put real pressure by showing up in many different ways. Which is what's happening, though the status quo wants us to believe we are powerless. To all those people working hard and risking a lot to reveal all the ways complicity takes place, here a huge bow!

1 day ago | 78

@jam-ymaj

Charlie has supported and campaigned for Palestine for years.

1 day ago | 53

@Anthony-ro4ek

Good👍. Also the "anti semitic" accusation holds no weight. its a protest against the terror state of Israel who are commiting genocide in Gaza..this is basic to understand! 🇮🇪

1 day ago | 207

@user-ni5eu1yi1h

Dignity to himself and a lesson of honesty to the rest of the world.

1 day ago | 69

@uncledan2u

A man of conscience. A man of humanity. Salute from Malaysia 🇲🇾

1 day ago | 149

@azmanabas8425

Genovision

1 day ago | 93

@valeriecouper1962

Well done.

1 day ago | 71

@HermanWheeler-i2h

Bless you Sir.

1 day ago | 74

@tims4566

Great move. Thanks to Nemo and Ireland

1 day ago | 63

@therru5943

Boycott all culture, sports, academia and every other product they make as far as is possible.

1 day ago | 21