British singer Boy George has stepped down from the London production of the musical «Jesus Christ Superstar» after facing intense criticism for releasing a new song supporting Israel. The artist was scheduled to perform the role of King Herod starting in August.
The singer’s manager, Paul Kemsley, announced the departure on July 31, 2026. Kemsley stated that the decision was made «out of deep respect for the producers, the creative team, and the entire cast.» While not explicitly naming the backlash as the cause, the manager noted that Boy George has «never feared to openly defend personal beliefs,» adding that he felt it was best to step aside to allow the production to move forward in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
The controversy erupted days earlier when Boy George released «We Will Dance Again,» a reggae-style track addressing the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The song, which the artist confirmed was partially created using artificial intelligence, explicitly rejects calling the war in Gaza a genocide. The lyrics criticize musicians who support Palestinian militants, comparing them to «sheep feeding on internet propaganda.»
In the song, Boy George references the October 7 atrocities, mentioning young women who were raped and murdered while dancing, and accuses critics of Israel of having a «selective memory.»
The release sparked immediate backlash online. Actor Patrick Clanton, who previously worked with Boy George in the musical «Moulin Rouge,» publicly condemned the singer. Boy George dismissed the criticism on social media, expressing frustration over the ongoing debate with both critics and friends, stating, «This madness knows no bounds.»
Despite his Irish Catholic background, Boy George has been a long-time supporter of the Jewish community. He has previously refused demands from the BDS movement to boycott Israel and cancel concerts in Tel Aviv.
In a related development regarding the entertainment industry’s response to the conflict, actor James Frank was also fired from a project after publicly expressing support for Israel. According to the artist, the management of the television series decided to terminate his contract due to his civic stance.
Source: 9tv.co.il
