Boy George defends pro-Israel song, says critics ignore Israelis’ suffering

British pop star Boy George has defended his new song "We Will Dance Again," which expresses support for Israel, pushing back against criticism that he lacks compassion for Palestinians. The performer released a statement asserting that the song is a call for peace and that critics unfairly ignore the suffering of Israelis.

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The suggestion that I feel no compassion for Palestinians is both untrue and absurd. I have read members of the press calling me a ‘genocide denier’ yet those who deny the suffering of Israelis are given a free pass.

Boy George stated that accusations of him being a "genocide denier" are untrue, arguing that those who deny Israeli suffering are "given a free pass." He explained that the inspiration for the song came after visiting a London exhibition detailing the Nova music festival massacre. Hundreds were killed and dozens kidnapped during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which initiated the war in Gaza.

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My song is pro peace and about the emotions I felt after visiting the Nova Exhibition and talking to Michael and Lisa Marlowe who had their son Jake taken from them. Murdered trying help others.

The song's title is a phrase adopted by survivors of the Nova festival massacre. Boy George shared that he was deeply moved after talking to the parents of Jake Marlowe, a British-Israeli musician killed on October 7, and May Hayat, a survivor who lost her best friend. He felt compelled to write the song after witnessing the exhibition and hearing their stories.

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Everyone knows what happened to innocent women, kids, babies, sons and fathers on that day, innocent people who were at a festival celebrating life.

Reflecting on the conflict, Boy George expressed his personal opinion that the situation is a war but not an attempt to "wipe out Palestine." He emphasized his belief in respecting diverse opinions. He also noted a perceived lack of musicians speaking out for the Jewish community, contrasting it with their willingness to work with Jewish individuals.

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My personal opinion is that this is sadly a war, but not an attempt to wipe out Palestine. But I respect that everyone has their own opinions and believe we should all be allowed to have that right.