Boy George has withdrawn from his upcoming role in the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar just days before his scheduled performances. The 65-year-old musician was set to play King Herod at the London Palladium from August 3 to 15, but his management confirmed on Thursday that he would no longer appear in the show.
The decision comes amid backlash over Boy George's new song, We Will Dance Again, which takes a pro-Israel stance in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The track, released earlier this week, includes lyrics such as 'You say genocide, I say war' and 'When you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s for'. Critics have accused the song of dismissing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Boy George's manager, Paul Kemsley, said the decision was made with respect for the production team and fans. 'We also recognise that many people purchased tickets in the hope of seeing George perform,' the statement read. 'To those fans, we offer our sincere apologies for the disappointment this decision may cause.'
The backlash intensified after prominent figures, including Martyn Ware of The Human League, publicly criticized the song. Ware called it 'overtly pro-genocide, anti-Palestinian propaganda' and expressed disappointment in Boy George. The controversy has sparked calls for boycotts and led to Boy George's removal from the Jesus Christ Superstar lineup.
The role of King Herod will now be rotated among other actors, including Richard Armitage, Layton Williams, and Julian Clary. The production continues at the London Palladium as planned.