Boy George Withdraws from West End 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Amid Controversy Over Pro-Israel Song
Boy George's manager announced his removal from a two-week run as King Herod in the London Palladium revival after the singer posted a pro-Israel reggae track that sparked online criticism.
Boy George will not appear in the upcoming West End revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the London Palladium, where he had been slated to play King Herod from Aug. 3 to 15. The decision follows a backlash to a reggae song the singer posted on X, which featured pro-Israel lyrics and references to the Oct. 7 attacks.
Paul Kemsley, the artist’s manager, wrote on Instagram that he withdrew the performer "in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others" and to keep the production "the focus." He did not specifically cite the song controversy. Boy George had indicated the track was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
The West End production, which features rotating celebrity performers in the role of Herod, will continue with a replacement for the scheduled dates.