Boy George says his outspoken support for Israel is costing him both professional opportunities and longtime personal relationships, just days after he withdrew from the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar following backlash over a pro-Israel reggae song.
In a series of posts on X, the Culture Club frontman said he refuses to back down despite mounting criticism.
“So many people are calling me and saying I should pipe down and let it blow over and while they mean well I’m afraid it’s not an option,” he wrote. “Doubling down works for Donald Trump.”
The singer also claimed the controversy has fractured friendships.
“It doesn’t matter what I think or what you think. 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.”
In another post, Boy George revealed he had parted ways with Tony Pontius, who had run his BGP Records label for years, over plans to release his new reggae song, “We Will Dance Again.”
“In Buddhism we understand that every action comes with a consequence,” he wrote. “Due to my decision to stand up for my Jewish friends I am losing a few people from my life. Today I parted company with Tony Pontius who has run my record label BGP for a number of years.”
According to Boy George, Pontius told him he wanted “nothing to do with this song,” prompting the singer to end their working relationship.
“I responded, ‘OK, we are done.'”
He concluded by saying he remains committed to releasing the track.
“I will release it!”
The comments come after Boy George shared a reggae song on X defending Israel’s military response following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The track includes the lyrics:
“You say genocide, I say war / When you’re attacked that’s what the army’s for.”
The song also criticizes musicians who have publicly supported Palestinians, singing:
“Musicians holding flags, mouthing like sheep / Propaganda fuelled by the Internet feels so weak.”
The song quickly drew backlash online, leading Boy George’s manager, Paul Kemsley, to withdraw the singer from the upcoming London Palladium production of Jesus Christ Superstar, where he had been scheduled to play King Herodfrom August 3-15.
In a statement, Kemsley said the decision was made so the controversy would not overshadow the production.
“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,” Kemsley wrote. “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.”
