The Culture Club singer has defended the intentions behind his controversial song about the Nova festival attack after withdrawing from Jesus Christ Superstar ahead of its West End run.
Boy George has spoken out after withdrawing from the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The 65-year-old Culture Club frontman had been due to make his West End return as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium from 3 August, but his manager Paul Kemsley announced on Thursday (30.07.26) George would no longer appear in the production, saying the decision had been taken so the musical could remain the focus following criticism over the singer’s pro-peace single, inspired by the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel.
George has now said he is “devastated” by the loss of innocent lives in both Israel and Palestine after controversy surrounding his new song We Will Dance Again.
The Hamas attack killed more than 1,200 people and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a statement shared on social media, George said about his decision to pull out of Jesus Christ Superstar: “Sometimes, I realise that being an air sign I expect the world to understand me without having to explain myself.
“The suggestion that I feel no compassion for Palestinian’s is both untrue and absurd.
“I am devastated for the loss of the innocent lives on both sides of this war and I call for peace.
“I have read members of the press calling me a ‘genocide denier’ yet those who deny the suffering of Israelis are given a free pass.”
George said his now-controversial song had been inspired by his visit to the Nova Exhibition and meetings with families and survivors affected by the attack.
He added: “My song is pro peace and about the emotions I felt after visiting the Nova Exhibition and talking to Michael and Lisa Marlowe who had their son Jake taken from them. Murdered trying help others.
“I also spent time talking to May Hayat who survived while her best friend was murdered. We took a picture standing in front all the people who were killed that day.
“Everyone knows what happened to innocent women, kids, babies, sons and fathers on that day, innocent people who were at a festival celebrating life.
“The Nova Festival is a mirror of my world as a DJ and I have played many such festivals, including in Israel so it resonated with me and I felt compelled to write something. I could have been there and we know that there were people from more than 40 countries who were. I felt these deep emotions and is wrote this song for them.
“My personal opinion is that this is sadly a war, but not an attempt to wipe out Palestine. But I respect that everyone has their own opinions and believe we should all be allowed to have that right.
“Look around and tell me one musician speaking out for the Jewish community, but you can absolutely guarantee they have made their living from working with a Jewish team member.
“I understand that is uncomfortable to defend your friends when a war like this is raging but the woman who sells me bagels is not to blame, neither is my doctor or publicist, manager, ex boyfriend or my thousands of Jewish friends. This song is for them.
“I come from a place of peace. I am a jew loving, trans hugging queer hippy and my mother would be proud of me.”
Paul Kemsley said about George no longer appearing in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, Jesus Christ Superstar: “After careful consideration, I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
“The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company. We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.”
George’s publicist also apologised to fans who had bought tickets hoping to see him perform.
George, who has also become known to television audiences as a coach on The Voice UK, has remained one of British pop’s most recognisable figures since Culture Club’s global success with hits including Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?
Boy George breaks silence on Jesus Christ Superstar withdrawal
