Boy George has broken his silence after pulling out of Jesus Christ Superstar in the West End just days before his stint was about to start amid controversy following the release of his pro-Israel song.
The role of King Herod is being rotated among actors, with the singer having been set to star from August 3 to 15.
However on Thursday it was revealed the star, 65, had pulled out of the role, with his management confirming that he would no longer be performing.
The news came amid controversy surrounding Boy George’s new pro-Israel song We Will Dance Again. There were fears a backlash from his song would overshadow the performance.
The title We Will Dance Again, has become a phrase used by Israelis to express hope after the October 7 attack.
After pulling out he has now broken his silence saying: ‘Sometimes, I realise that being an air sign I expect the world to understand me without having to explain myself.
Boy George has broken his silence after pulling out of Jesus Christ Superstar in the West End just days before his stint was about to start amid controversy following the release of his pro-Israel song
‘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.’
In a long statement he added, according to The Sun: ‘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.’
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/.
The role of King Herod is being rotated among actors, with the singer having been set to star from August 3 to 15. However on Thursday it was revealed the star, 65, had pulled out of the role (Sam Ryder pictured as Jesus in the show)
Confirming Boy George would no longer be performing, his manager Paul Kemsley took to Instagram on Thursday
‘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 would no longer be performing, his manager Paul Kemsley took to Instagram as he wrote on Thursday: ‘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.’
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.
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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