Boy George drops out of Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash to pro-Israel song

Boy George has pulled out of a West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar, his management has confirmed (Picture: Instagram/@Paul_kemsley_pk) Boy George has dropped out of a West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar following backlash to his pro-Israel song. The Culture Club singer, real name George Alan O’Dowd, has courted controversy in recent days after releasing a song voicing support for Israel’s military action in Palestine. The song, titled We Will Dance Again – a reference to a mantra used by Israeli communities after the October 7 attacks – has been met with a wave of criticism. Following the backlash, George’s management has announced he will not be playing King Herod from August 3-15 on the West End as originally planned. ‘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,’ his manager Paul Kemsley wrote on Instagram. ‘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.’ While no reason was given for George’s decision, his management did seem to imply that they feared the controversy risked overshadowing the production. ‘George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that,’ the statement read. ‘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 Culture Club star has faced backlash after releasing a song that voices support for Israel’s military action in Palestine (Picture: Alamy Live News.) While George himself has not publicly responded to the decision, he did acknowledge the backlash to We Will Dance Again on X. ‘It doesn’t matter what I think or what you think,’ he wrote on X. It doesn't matter what I think or what you think. When will you realise you're doing NOTHING! It's a fucking joke. I am even falling out with Jewish friends. The madness knows no bounds.— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) July 30, 2026 ‘When will you realise you’re doing NOTHING! It’s a f***** joke. I am even falling out with Jewish friends. The madness knows no bounds.’ Earlier this year, George claimed he had no opinion on Israel; however, on July 28 he released We Will Dance Again. George’s song also criticised singers who advocate for Palestine (Picture: gbrci/Future Image/Cover Images) This song voices support for the country’s ongoing war against Palestine while denying the allegations of genocide. ‘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,’ he sings in the song’s opening. The song also criticises the pro-Palestinian movement, as well as musicians critical of Israel. A UN commission found that Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza (Picture: ZUMAPRESS.com / Zuma Press / Avalon) ‘You condemn the Jews, with selective memory / Musicians holding flags, mouthing like sheep / Propaganda fuelled by the internet feels so weak,’ goes another verse. A UN commission of inquiry reports that Israel is deliberately targeting Palestinian children, resulting in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The conflict began after a Hamas-led attack killed 1,200 Israelis (Pictures: REUTERS) More than 73,000 people are estimated to have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, including more than 21,000 children. Israel has said it ‘utterly rejects’ the report, branding it a ‘libellous sham’ and ‘outrageous’ propaganda. The Israeli-Gaza conflict began in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah in 2023. During the attacks, about 1,200 people were killed and a further 251 were taken hostage. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Metro has approached Boy George for comment. Arrow MORE: Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose anything other than the Trainspotting musical