'We Will Dance Again' – Boy George stands by Israel despite backlash, exits 'Jesus Christ Superstar' production

Days after releasing a song honoring the victims of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel, 1980s British popstar Boy George withdrew from his role as King Herod in London's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, amid a wave of online backlash over his public support for Israel.

The announcement came days after George released the song "We Will Dance Again," which honors the victims of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel and expresses solidarity with the Jewish people. The song, which includes Hebrew lyrics and was shared on the singer's social media accounts with the hashtag #Shalom, sparked both praise and online backlash.

Paul Kemsley, who manages George, announced the decision on Instagram on Friday, writing, “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.” While he did not explicitly link the decision to the singer's pro-Israel song or the backlash that followed its release, he said the move was intended to protect Boy George and allow the production to remain the focus.

“George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that,” Kemsley wrote. “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.”

Actor Richard Armitage will replace Boy George in the London production.

Earlier on Friday, the singer addressed the backlash in a post on 𝕏, writing, “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 continued, “When I say 'they want to kill every last one of us' I am also talking about us queers not just the Jewish community,” he noted. “When will you wake up? Regardless of which side you take, I am disgusted by anyone who posts hatred against anyone but refuses to show their face. If you have something powerful to say then you should have the guts to show the world who you are but most, if not all of you, are unwilling to show your faces and the only reason is self interest.”

The Jewish online community has received his song with joy and appreciation.

“You couldn't possibly understand what this song means to me and every other Jew who is living in this post October 7, 2023 nightmarish world. You are sanity and peace among a sea of evil – and yes @boygeorgeofficial we will dance again,” wrote Jewish influencer Melissa Chapman.

“This is what standing proudly as a Jewish ally looks like,” Campaign Against Antisemitism commented. “Thank you, Boy George, for your unwavering support to the Jewish community amidst a tsunami of antisemitism. #Mensch!”