BOY GEORGE QUITS JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ROLE AHEAD OF WEST END RUN

Boy George has withdrawn from Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, scheduled to begin on 3 August. The singer was set to perform the role of King Herod, a one-song cameo part rotated among performers, through 15 August. His manager, Paul Kemsley, announced the withdrawal on Instagram days before the run was due to start.

The withdrawal follows the release of a song by Boy George earlier this week titled "We Will Dance Again", posted to his social media accounts with lyrics addressing Israel's military operations in Gaza. Kemsley stated the decision was made to prevent distraction from the production in light of the ensuing public response. He wrote that the decision was taken "with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company", and that he believed it was necessary to allow the production to "remain the focus".

Kemsley said Boy George had "never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions" but that he felt obliged to make decisions in the artist's best interests whilst showing respect to others. He apologised to ticket holders for disappointment caused by the withdrawal and thanked them for their continued support. The producers and creative team demonstrated "professionalism and understanding" throughout the process, according to Kemsley's statement.