Boy George’s manager doubles down after Jesus Christ Superstar exit as fans demand singer be ‘cancelled’
Boy George’s manager has publicly thrown his support behind the singer following the fierce backlash surrounding his pro-Israel AI-generated song, insisting: “I am completely behind him. For better or for worse. Always.”
Paul Kemsley, who also describes himself as Boy George’s “best friend”, shared a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday after the Culture Club star stepped away from the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The 65-year-old singer withdrew from his role as King Herod at the London Palladium after attracting widespread criticism over his AI-generated reggae track We Will Dance Again, which voiced support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In his statement, Mr Kemsley praised the singer’s willingness to stand by his convictions despite the fallout.
Paul Kemsley has managed Boy George for over 12 years
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INSTAGRAM / PAUL KEMSLEY
“As Boy George’s manager and his best friend, I want to be absolutely clear,” he wrote.
“I am completely behind him. For better or for worse. Always.
“He has spent his life being authentic in a world that rarely makes it easy.
“His voice has inspired millions and his courage to speak up for what he believes in should be respected not attacked.”
Boy George released the AI song on X
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GETTYMr Kemsley said the pair had been “overwhelmed and humbled” by the support they had received from religious leaders, “everyday people across the Jewish community and around the world.”
He continued: “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.
“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.”
The statement concluded: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared their support and stood with us.
“Your messages, your belief in what we are creating and your love for Boy George mean everything.
“We will keep going. Together.
“We will dance again.”
The post quickly attracted hundreds of responses, with opinion sharply divided.
Some users criticised the manager’s unwavering support for the singer.
One wrote: “Blind loyalty is dangerous.”
Another commented: “You don’t unite people by dismissing the suffering of others.”
The musician came under fire from pro-Palestinian activists
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GETTY“Enjoy being cancelled,” a third added, while another said: “So much drama.”
One user also claimed they had abandoned plans to see the singer perform, writing: “I tore up my Vancouver tickets, not even worth reselling.”
Others, however, praised both Mr Kemsley and Boy George for refusing to back down.
“George has been a light in so much darkness,” one supporter wrote.
Boy George’s manager said the singer stepped away to allow the West End production to ‘remain the focus’ | GETTY
Another commented: “He is my absolute hero. It is about time someone said it.”
A third added: “I’m not Jewish but beyond proud of you for taking this stand.”
Another supporter praised the pair, writing: “Thank you for being a powerful voice of GOOD in this world. History will reflect well on you both.”
The latest statement comes days after Boy George insisted he would not soften his stance despite mounting criticism.
Writing on X, the singer said: “So many people are calling me and saying I should pipe down and let it blow over, and while they mean well, I’m afraid it’s not an option.”
He also defended the song on Instagram, describing it as “AI for good”, while maintaining that although many people disagreed with his views, “that is what is great about democracy.”
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