Nemo, the first non-binary winner of the Eurovision contest, slammed the organizers for prohibiting non-binary flags at the event, urging for more compassion and empathy within the Eurovision community.
Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo criticized the event’s organizers shortly after their victory at the 2024 contest held in Malmo, Sweden. Nemo, who performed “The Code,” notably became the competition’s first-ever non-binary winner. The event was marred by controversies, including protests related to Israel’s involvement, leading to pro-Palestine demonstrations outside the venue, and the disqualification of the Dutch participant Joost Klein just hours before his scheduled performance.
Furthermore, Nemo expressed frustration at a press conference over an incident where audience members were prohibited from bringing non-binary flags into the arena, describing it as an “unbelievable double standard.” Nemo mentioned having to smuggle their flag into the venue and called for more empathy and compassion within the Eurovision community. They dedicated their win to “people that are daring to be themselves and those that need to be heard and understood.”
Switzerland clinched the victory with 591 points, followed by Croatia and Ukraine. The event concluded amidst mixed reactions, with cheers for Nemo’s win counterbalanced by boos for the Israeli act due to the current geopolitical tensions.
