Boy George speaks out against critics who condemned his pro-Israel stance

Culture Club frontman Boy George has firmly pushed back against critics condemning his support for Israel, particularly in the context of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Amidst a growing chorus of calls for a boycott due to Israel's participation, the singer emphasized his deep-seated connections with the Jewish community, stating unequivocally that he would not renounce his long-standing friendships.

“

Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It’s not going to happen, it’s never going to happen.

"Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It’s not going to happen, it’s never going to happen," Boy George declared. He pointed to his career history, noting his consistent display of the Jewish star and his affiliation with Jewish people since his youth, asserting, "I am so affiliated with Jewish people."

“

From the beginning of my career, I wore a Jewish star. Go back and look at pictures of Culture Club. I am so affiliated with Jewish people. I am not necessarily affiliated with Israel. I don’t really have an opinion on that. But the job of music is to unite people.

While Boy George acknowledges that his personal stance may not necessarily equate to an endorsement of the Israeli government's policies, he stressed the unifying power of music. His position contrasts sharply with that of over a thousand musicians, including prominent artists, who have signed an open letter demanding Israel's exclusion from Eurovision. Conversely, Boy George is among approximately 1,000 artists and industry professionals who have signed a letter, sponsored by Creative Community for Peace, in support of Israel's continued participation in the international music event.

“

I hope they’re not too angry. But if they are, that’s out of my control.