Boy George Defends Eurovision 2026 Involvement Despite Boycott Calls

Boy George has defended his participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the former Culture Club frontman will be performing alongside San Marino’s entrant Senhit at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria.

For the last few years, the music event has been at the centre of controversy due to Israel’s continued participation, despite the ongoing conflict and unrest in the Middle East, with many calling for the country to be banned from competing, similarly to how Russia was excluded from the contest after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

After it was confirmed by Eurovision bosses that Israel would be back at the event in 2026, five participation countries withdrew in protest, with many critics also calling for a boycott of the contest.

During a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Boy George was asked for his take on the boycott calls, and insisted that, to him, withdrawing would be akin to “turn[ing] my back on” the Jewish friends he’s had since his teen years.

He said: “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.”

On Ireland pulling out of Eurovision in solidarity with Palestine, George noted: “Ireland is my mother’s home country. I hope they’re not too angry. But if they are, that’s out of my control.”

In February, the Karma Chameleon singer wrote on X: “I love Israel too. Blaming an entire people is moronic. You can be against war and still love humanity.”

He added: “I have DJ’d in Tel Aviv a number of times. I hope I will in the future!”

George was later quoted as saying: “It’s very trendy to hate Israel, but I have always said ‘fashion for the fragile, style for the brave’.”

Two years ago, he also co-signed an open letter calling for Israel to remain a part of Eurovision, alongside the likes of Dame Helen Mirren, Sharon Osbourne and Scooter Braun.