Boy George has pulled out of his role in Jesus Christ Superstar just days before he was set to take to the stage.
The role of King Herod is being rotated among actors, with the singer set to star from August 3 to 15.
However it has now been revealed the star has pulled out of the role, with his management confirming on Thursday that he will no longer be performing.
The news comes amid controversy surrounding Boy George’s new pro-Israel song We Will Dance Again.
The title We Will Dance Again, has become a phrase used by Israelis to express hope after the October 7 attack and lyrics in the song include: ‘You say genocide, I say war/
‘When you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s for / Does it get ugly? You bet it does / When I know you wanna kill every last one of us.’
Confirming Boy George will no longer be performing, his manager Paul Kemsley took to Instagram as he wrote: ‘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.
Boy George has pulled out of Jesus Christ Superstar just days before his West End stint amid controversy following the release of pro-Israel song We Will Dance Again earlier this week
‘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.’
Apologising to the fans who bought tickets specifically to see the star, he continued: ‘We also recognise that many people purchased tickets in the hope of seeing George perform.
‘To those fans, we offer our sincere apologies for the disappointment this decision may cause, and we are deeply grateful for their continued loyalty and support.’
Addressing his new song, he added: ‘George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that.
‘Equally, I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others.
‘In this instance, I felt it was right to step aside, allowing the production to remain the focus, while ensuring everyone involved can move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.’
The Andrew Lloyd Webber production is currently being performed at the London Palladium, with Sam Ryder taking on the titular religious leader in the rock opera, alongside Tyrone Huntley as Judas and Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene.
A number of actors are stepping into the role of King Herod including Richard Armitage, Layton Williams, Julian Clary, Simon Russell Beale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
The show is set to transfer to London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a 12-week run in October due to popular demand, with Sam set to remain in the role for a nationwide tour next year.
The role of King Herod is being rotated among actors, with the singer set to star from August 3 to 15. However his management confirmed on Thursday he will no longer be performing (Sam Ryder pictured as Jesus in the show)
Addressing his new pro-Israel song, he added: ‘I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others’
Elsewhere in Boy George’s new song, he cites the Hamas attack on October 7 as he sings: ‘Young girls raped against trees/ Murdered brutally/ For the crime of dancing.’
The chorus follows: ‘ There will be no war / But if you’re ever confused / I stand with the Jews / I don’t feel brave, I just need to behave like a human.’
Meanwhile back in April Boy George hit back at anti-Israel campaigners who criticised him for taking part in Eurovision after the song competition bosses refused to ban the country from competing.
Eurovision has been at the centre of controversy amid growing calls to prevent Israel from performing but bosses ruled in December that the country could compete.
And Boy George, who represented San Marino in this year’s competition, hit back at critics as he said: ‘I have many, many Jewish friends that I’ve had since I was 15 or 16 years old.
‘Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It’s not going to happen, it’s never going to happen.
‘From the beginning of my career I wore a Jewish star. Go back and look at pictures of Culture Club. I am so affiliated with Jewish people. I am not necessarily affiliated with Israel. I don’t really have an opinion on that.
‘But the job of music is to unite people.’

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