Pop star Boy George has dropped out of a West End production of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar after an uproar erupted over his recent release of a pro-Israel song.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice production is currently playing at the London Palladium, with the Culture Club singer due to step into the role of King Herod from August 3-15.

But his manager, Paul Kemsley, announced on Thursday (AEST) that “after careful consideration”, he had decided the Culture Club singer would no longer be appearing.

Kemsley didn’t directly mention George’s controversial song We Will Dance Again, but added that the singer had “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.”

 

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The song, which was made with AI and released just days ago, references the October 7 Hamas attacks and the war in Gaza, with lyrics supporting actions by the Israeli military.

It opens with “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”, while the chorus includes the line, “But if you’re ever confused I stand with the Jews”.

Comments on Kemsley’s post announcing George’s withdrawal from Jesus Christ Superstar have been divided between fans applauding him for “standing with the Jewish people” and those condemning his stance over a conflict in which thousands of Palestinians have been killed.

“I never imagined I’d be unfollowing Boy George after years of admiring him, but here we are,” wrote one.

“To release a song that, in my view, dismisses or downplays the immense suffering of Palestinians at a time when so many civilians have been killed, displaced and traumatised is something I simply cannot support.”

George made an apparent reference to the controversy in a post on X, in which he wrote: “It doesn’t matter what I think or what you think. When will you realise you’re doing NOTHING!”

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

Earlier this year, Boy George – who is not Jewish himself – defended his decision to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest after organisers confirmed Israel would remain in the competition despite calls for the country to be excluded.

Representing San Marino, 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.”

Six stars are sharing the role of Herod over Jesus Christ Superstar’s almost three-month run, with the others including Jesse Tyler Ferguson from TV sitcom Modern Family and comedian and actor Julian Clary.

Kemsley apologised to those who had bought tickets to see Boy George perform.

“The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company,” he said.

“We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.”

–with agencies