Boy George exits 'Jesus Christ Superstar' production after releasing pro-Israel reggae song

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

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

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

“After cautious consideration, I person decided, successful my capableness arsenic Boy George’s manager, that helium volition nary longer beryllium appearing successful Jesus Christ Superstar astatine the London Palladium,” wrote Paul Kemsley. “The determination has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the originative squad and the full company. We are grateful for the professionalism and knowing they person shown passim and sincerely privation everyone progressive each occurrence with the production.”

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

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

Kemsley continued that helium has “always respected” Boy George for lasting by his “personal convictions” but that, arsenic his manager, helium feels the work to marque decisions “that are successful the champion interests of my creator portion besides showing respect to others.”

“In this instance, I felt it was close to measurement aside, allowing the accumulation to stay the focus, portion ensuring everyone progressive tin determination guardant with communal respect and goodwill.”

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