Backlash against Eurovision continues

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) granted permission on December 4 for Israel to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision was met with protests from television channels in several European countries. The Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland, and Iceland have decided to withdraw from Eurovision in opposition to Israel's participation.

CHARLIE McGETTIGAN DECIDES TO RETURN HIS AWARD

Irish singer Charlie McGettigan made history by winning the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Following the decision to allow Israel to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, McGettigan expressed his reaction. In a statement on the social media platform X, McGettigan announced that he had decided to return his award to protest Israel's participation. McGettigan stated, "I want to return my award to the EBU to support Nemo. Our victory was in 1994, and unfortunately, I cannot find the trophy we received at that time, but if I find it, I will return my award as well."

Following McGettigan's statement, Nemo, the representative of Switzerland who won Eurovision 2024, also made a similar decision. Nemo had previously announced that they would return their award to protest Israel's participation in the contest. McGettigan stated that he decided to take the same step to support Nemo.

STATEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE IRELAND-PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

McGettigan's statement was announced in a video shared on X by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC).

News Source: 12punto