Attempt to discredit Jerry Heil in the national selection: the truth about charity and the consequences
Allegations have appeared online that Jerry Heil was indifferent to fundraisers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is not merely a reputational matter — it concerns the standards of the national selection and public trust in artists who work with volunteer initiatives.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 20, 2026 · 2 min read
What happened
According to UNN, singer Jerry Heil reported in Instagram Stories attempts to remove her from the National selection for "Eurovision 2026" over alleged "falling reach" and the spread of false information about her attitude toward fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The artist insists these accusations are not true: her brother serves in the Armed Forces, she regularly donates to his fundraiser and urges her followers to join, and she has taken part in several well-known charitable initiatives.
"Information has come in that they simply want to take me out of the national selection and will now spread lies that I supposedly don't support fundraisers because 'reach is falling'. Don't fall for it, because my brother is a serviceman. For example, here is a current fundraiser he asked to share, to which I will donate myself, and we periodically run fundraisers with you."
— Jerry Heil, singer (Instagram Stories; quote via UNN)
What confirms the charitable activity
Publicly available facts support the artist: during Eurovision 2024 Jerry Heil together with alyona alyona raised funds to rebuild a gymnasium destroyed by the occupiers — in total over 10 million UAH. In public statements she has also noted participation in fundraisers for casevac kits, drones and turrets, as well as campaigns to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
Why it matters
This is not just a story about one artist. The discrediting of public figures undermines trust in volunteer initiatives and creates a dangerous precedent for the selection process of a song contest that should be open and transparent. Media experts warn that such information attacks often begin on social media and are spread by those interested in changing voting outcomes or creating public resonance.
What to do next
Organizers of the National selection should adhere to transparent rules and respond promptly to such complaints — not emotionally, but with facts. The public should check sources and avoid sharing unverified posts, since this undermines support for the front and trust in cultural institutions.
In short: this is not only about Jerry Heil's reputation, but about how we protect values and institutions during the war — and who we allow onto the national stage.
Conclusion
This case shows how quickly disinformation can affect careers and public support. Instead of panic — simple questions: is there evidence for the accusations, are the selection organizers acting transparently, and are we ready to defend standards when what’s at stake is not only a contest but the reputation of those who support the country.
