Boy George has withdrawn from the London Palladium’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” after backlash to his pro-Israel AI-generated song, “We Will Dance Again”. His manager said the decision was intended to let the production remain the focus, though the singer has not directly addressed his departure; it underscores how public statements on the Israel-Gaza conflict can affect professional engagements.

The 65-year-old Culture Club singer was due to play King Herod from 3 to 15 August alongside Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Armitage, Simon Russell Beale, Layton Williams and Julian Clary. The song’s lyrics reject describing the conflict as genocide in favour of war, prompting criticism; George later said the controversy had caused arguments, including with Jewish friends.