Boy George has withdrawn from the West End Jesus Christ Superstar revival just days before he was set to appear in the role of King Herod, apparently as a result of the former Culture Club singer’s recent release of a pro-Israel song that disputes the charge of genocide and calls pro-Palestine supporters “sheep.”
The singer’s exit from the musical revival at the London Palladium was announced on Instagram this afternoon by George’s manager Paul Kemsley, who noted, “George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions.”
“After careful consideration,” Kemsley writes (see the post below), “I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar. 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.”
Kemsley continues, “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.
“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.”
Boy George was have have played King Herod from August 2-15, one in a rotating cast of performers in the small role (others playing Herod include Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage, Layton Williams and Julian Clary; Armitage is expected to fill in for George).
Earlier this week, Boy George posted a new song online titled “We Will Dance Again,” voicing support for Israel’s military action in Palestine (the title comes from an Israeli expression popularized following the October 7 Hama attack at an Israeli music festival).
The song, which apparently is no longer available online, includes lyrics stating Israeli civilians were murdered “for the crime of dancing,” and, in a direct address to celebrity supporters of Palestine, “You condemn, with selective memory/ Musicians holding flags, mouthing like sheep/ Propaganda fuelled by the internet feels so weak.”
The song, which Boy George had posted on his social media accounts along with lyrics in both English and Hebrew (and with the note that the song was written with the help of AI), also included the lyric:
“You say genocide, I say warWhen you’re attacked, that’s what the army’s forDoes it get ugly? You bet it doesWhen I know you wanna kill”
The Jesus Christ Superstar revival, which has received good reviews and strong box office, stars Sam Ryder as Jesus, Tyrone Huntley as Judas, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene and David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate. The Tim Rice-Andrew Lloyd Webber musical began performances June 20 and runs through September 5, with Tim Sheader directing.
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