Boy George stands firm with pro-Israel song as faith guides him through record label split and West End exit

Boy George has parted ways with his longtime record label and exited the London production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the wake of a newly released AI-generated reggae song that defends Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

The 65-year-old singer shared the news in a series of posts on X, writing that he separated from Tony Pontius, who had run his label BGP for several years. George said Pontius refused to support the track, "We Will Dance Again," and that he decided the two were done.

"I wanted to release 'We Will Dance Again' but he was unequivocal and said 'I want nothing to do with this song' and I responded 'ok, we are done,'" George wrote. "When someone is gutless it really does not hurt to say goodbye. My faith in humanity will not diminish, and the truth will always win. I will release it!"

The song, which is not yet available on streaming platforms, includes lyrics that take a sharp stance on the debate over Israel's military operations. "You say genocide, I say war / When you're attacked that's what the army's for," one verse goes. Another takes aim at fellow artists critical of Israel: "You condemn, with selective memory / Musicians holding flags, mouthing like sheep / Propaganda fueled by the Internet feels so weak." A three-minute clip posted on X with the caption "#Shalom" has drawn more than 5 million views.

George, who converted to Nichiren Buddhism, also connected his decision to his faith, saying, "In Buddhism we understand that every action comes with a consequence." He acknowledged the fallout, adding, "Due to my decision to stand up for my Jewish friends I am losing a few people from my life."

His manager, Paul Kemsley, confirmed Thursday on Instagram that George would no longer play King Herod in the West End revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the London Palladium, a role he was set to take on starting Monday, Aug. 3. Kemsley, a longtime friend of George, did not mention the song directly in his statement but framed the departure as one made in the interest of all parties.

"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," Kemsley wrote. "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."

Kemsley also offered an apology to ticket holders and pointed to George's history of outspokenness. "George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that," he said. "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." He concluded by saying stepping aside would allow the production to remain the focus and let everyone "move forward with mutual respect and goodwill."

Representatives for George did not respond to requests for additional comment.

The song's release has placed George at the center of an especially charged cultural moment, as musicians across genres continue to weigh in publicly on the war in Gaza. The track's use of AI-generated vocals has drawn attention in its own right, raising fresh questions about the role of artificial intelligence in music at a time when the industry is still grappling with how to regulate the technology. By leaning on AI for the vocals, George has effectively shielded his own voice from the most direct crossfire, even as his name, lyrics and public image have been at the center of the debate.

The fallout has come fast. Within days of the song's release, George has lost a label partnership, dropped out of a high-profile stage production and acknowledged a personal toll, including the loss of friendships. His statement that the "truth will always win" signals he intends to press on with the release and the broader stance behind it, even as the professional cost continues to grow.

It remains unclear who will replace George in the London Palladium production, when the song will become available on streaming services, or whether Pontius or BGP will publicly address the split.