Boy George has withdrawn from a production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, days before he was due to make his first appearance.
The Culture Club frontman was on the bill to play King Herod from 3 to 15 August as part of a rotating cast.
George’s manager, Paul Kemsley, announced his departure on social media on 30 July.
“After careful consideration, I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium,” Kemsley wrote.
“The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company. We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.”
While Kemsley did not give a reason for the decision, the announcement comes days after George shared his pro-Israel song, We Will Dance Again.
The reggae track opens with the line “You say genocide, I say war”, rejecting the description of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide. He also uses the song to criticise musicians who have publicly supported Palestine.
Patrick Clanton, who appeared alongside George in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge!, responded to the song by saying he was “embarrassed” to have worked with him.
Richard Armitage, who is currently playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, will cover George’s dates, NME reports.
