POPSTAR Boy George has broken his silence after pulling out of the West End musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar just days before he was due on stage.
He was pulled from the show by his manager amid fears a backlash from his song We Will Dance Again would overshadow the performance.
The track voices support for Israel’s military action in Palestine in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack at the Nova Music Festival, which saw more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children killed.
The Culture Club legend, 65, insists he was simply trying to call for peace.
George said: “Sometimes, I realise that being an air sign I expect the world to understand me without having to explain myself.
“The suggestion that I feel no compassion for Palestinian’s is both untrue and absurd.
“I am devastated for the loss of the innocent lives on both sides of this war and I call for peace.
“I have read members of the press calling me a ‘genocide denier’ yet those who deny the suffering of Israelis are given a free pass.”
In a long statement, the former The Voice mentor said: “My song is pro peace and about the emotions I felt after visiting the Nova Exhibition and talking to Michael and Lisa Marlowe who had their son Jake taken from them. Murdered trying help others.
“I also spent time talking to May Hayat who survived while her best friend was murdered. We took a picture standing in front all the people who were killed that day.
Everyone knows what happened to innocent women, kids, babies, sons and fathers on that day, innocent people who were at a festival celebrating life.
“The Nova Festival is a mirror of my world as a DJ and I have played many such festivals, including in Israel so it resonated with me and I felt compelled to write something. I could have been there and we know that there were people from more than 40 countries who were. I felt these deep emotions and is wrote this song for them.
“My personal opinion is that this is sadly a war , but not an attempt to wipe out Palestine. But I respect that everyone has their own opinions and believe we should all be allowed to have that right.
“Look around and tell me one musician speaking out for the Jewish community, but you can absolutely guarantee they have made their living from working with a Jewish team member.
“I understand that is uncomfortable to defend your friends when a war like this is raging but the woman who sells me bagels is not to blame, neither is my doctor or publicist, manager, ex boyfriend or my thousands of Jewish friends. This song is for them.
“I come from a place of peace. I am a jew loving, trans hugging queer hippy and my mother would be proud of me.”
George was set to take on the role of King Herod in the London theatre show, beginning August 3rd, but in a statement on Thursday night, his manager announced he will ‘no longer appear’.
Taking to social media, George’s manager Paul Kemsley wrote: “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.
“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.”
George’s PR apologised to fans who purchased tickets in the hopes of seeing George perform, admitting the decision would be a “disappointment” for some.
He added: “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.”