Manager Paul Kemsley says he stands completely behind Boy George following the singer's exit from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar over a pro-Israel reggae song.
Kemsley, 58, who is Jewish and married to Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Dorit Kemsley, released a statement on Tuesday supporting his best friend.
Kemsley had announced last week that the 65-year-old Culture Club singer would no longer play King Herod at the London Palladium.
George was scheduled to share the role of King Herod with four other performers, including Julian Clary and Richard Armitage, in the Andrew Lloyd Webber revival featuring Sam Ryder as Jesus.
The exit followed George independently releasing the song We Will Dance Again on the DIY music platform Bandcamp.
According to a report by Christopher Stevens of the Daily Mail, George's record label BGP refused to release the track commercially. George called that decision "gutless" and parted ways with the label's manager.
Statement of support
Kemsley topped his Tuesday statement with a Star Of David and a picture of George wearing a jacket adorned with a sequinned Star Of David.
"As Boy George's manager and his best friend, I want to be absolutely clear," Kemsley wrote. "I am completely behind him. For better for worse. Always. He has spent his life being authentic in a world that rarely makes it easy."
Kemsley said George's voice has inspired millions.
"His courage to speak up for what he believes in should be respected not attacked," Kemsley wrote. "The support we have received has been overwhelming and humbling."
"From leaders, visionaries and everyday people across the Jewish community and around the world," Kemsley wrote. "It proves that when someone stands for truth and humanity it strikes a chord that goes far beyond politics or controversy."
"It goes straight to the heart," he continued. "We are not standing still. We are building. Big plans are already in motion. Powerful partnerships. Meaningful events. Charitable initiatives. Cultural moments that will unite not divide. This is just the beginning."
Kemsley did not clarify in his initial statement whether producers asked George to leave, if actors refused to work with him, or if George withdrew to prevent the production from becoming a target for hate mobs.
Kemsley concluded his message by thanking fans for their support and belief in what they are creating.
"We will keep going. Together. We will dance again," he wrote, signing off as "PK. PAUL KEMSLEY (PK) Manager. Best Friend. Always."
Song lyrics
George has stated he was not celebrating war with the song.
"The suggestion that I feel no compassion for Palestinians is both untrue and absurd," George said. "I am devastated for the loss of the innocent lives on both sides of this war and I call for peace."
He said it is uncomfortable to defend friends when a war is raging.
"But the woman who sells me bagels is not to blame, neither is my doctor or publicist, manager, ex-boyfriend, or my thousands of Jewish friends," George said, referring to his former partner, Culture Club drummer Jon Moss, who is Jewish. "This song is for them."
The track opens with the lines: "You say genocide, I say war/ When you're attacked, that's what the army's for."
Later lyrics address the Nova music festival massacre, a focal point of the atrocity: "You never mention October 7/ Young girls raped against trees/ Murdered brutally/ For the crime of dancing."
"If you're ever confused," the song continues, "I stand with the Jews/ I don't feel brave, I just need to behave like a human."
The chorus repeats the Israeli slogan "We will dance again" and concludes with the phrase spoken in Hebrew.
George said he makes no excuses for using artificial intelligence to create the backing track, adding that he "would struggle to write this with a human."
Fan reactions
Followers of Kemsley responded with messages of support.
"Boy George is truly an Angel who has a wonderful Manager/friend in you," one person wrote. "Well done for standing on business."
Another follower praised their loyalty.
"This is what true friendship, loyalty, and heart look like," the follower wrote. "In a world where so many turn their backs at the first sign of storm, seeing this level of unconditional support, respect, and love is deeply moving."
A third person said George has given his soul to the world through his voice and authenticity.
"Knowing he has someone like you standing fiercely by his side means everything," the fan wrote. "Here's to unity, strength, and building a brighter future together."
Another supporter called George a hero.
"Keep shining! He is my absolute hero it is about time someone said it," they wrote. "Im not Jewish but beyond proud of you for taking this stand xxx."
Bono comments
The controversy follows criticism of U2 frontman Bono, who was attacked for his refusal to denounce Israel in August 2025.
"The rape, murder and abduction of Israelis at the Nova music festival was evil," Bono said. "Hamas are not the Palestinian people."
The Left-wing website Middle East Eye, operated by former Guardian journalist David Hearst, dismissed Bono's remarks as "word soup" and "billionaire pacifism."
