Boy George Exits ‘jesus Christ Superstar’ Production After Releasing Pro-israel Reggae Song

The head for British vocalist Boy George has pulled him from nan West End revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar” days aft nan vocalist released a pro-Israel reggae opus online.

Last weekend, nan popular prima posted connected X a reggae opus that includes nan lyrics, “You opportunity genocide, I opportunity warfare / When you’re attacked that’s what nan army’s for” and “Musicians holding flags, mouthing for illustration sheep / Propaganda fuelled by nan Internet feels truthful weak.” The station was met pinch swift blowback.

On Thursday, nan artist’s head announced connected Instagram that he was pulling Boy George from nan West End revival, suggesting nan pro-Isreal opus mightiness return “the focus” distant from nan production. He had been slated to play King Herod successful a London Palladium accumulation from Aug. 3-15.

“After observant consideration, I person decided, successful my capacity arsenic Boy George’s manager, that he will nary longer beryllium appearing successful Jesus Christ Superstar astatine nan London Palladium,” wrote Paul Kemsley. “The determination has been made pinch nan utmost respect for nan producers, nan imaginative squad and nan full company. We are grateful for nan professionalism and knowing they person shown passim and sincerely wish everyone progressive each occurrence pinch nan production.”

On Friday, nan vocalist posted connected X that he was receiving calls pinch nan proposal to “pipe down,” but he said, “It’s not an option.”

Since nan October 2023 onslaught connected Israel by Hamas and nan subject consequence by Israeli forces, respective celebrities person spoken retired connected nan bloodshed successful Gaza, including musicians Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, and nan Weekend on pinch actors Pedro Pascal, Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo, among others.

Kemsley continued that he has “always respected” Boy George for opinionated by his “personal convictions” but that, arsenic his manager, he feels nan work to make decisions “that are successful nan champion interests of my creator while besides showing respect to others.”

“In this instance, I felt it was correct to measurement aside, allowing nan accumulation to stay nan focus, while ensuring everyone progressive tin move guardant pinch communal respect and goodwill.”

A typical for nan producers of “Jesus Christ Superstar” did not instantly respond to The Times’ petition for comment.