Boy George has launched a blistering verbal assault on his former Culture Club bandmate and ex-lover Jon Moss, accusing the drummer of attempting to bankrupt him following a multi-million pound legal dispute.
A Festive Feud Reignited
The very public spat erupted again on Boxing Day when the official Culture Club social media account posted a festive message alongside a nostalgic photo featuring Moss. The post, looking ahead to 2026, prompted the band's iconic frontman to swiftly correct the record in the comments.
"I hate to correct this, but Jon is no longer in CC," Boy George wrote. "He tried to bankrupt me in the last couple of years so I hope the Xmas tree falls on his head! Lol!" He added that Moss's departure had, however, inspired new songs.
The Roots of the Rift: A £1.75 Million Legal War
The animosity stems from a protracted High Court battle that began after Moss, a founding member since the band's 1981 formation, left the group. He filed a writ in 2019, claiming he was "expelled" after 37 years and sought £200,000 in alleged missing payments plus a share of profits.
The case was settled before trial in 2021, with Moss agreeing to relinquish all rights to the Culture Club name. In return, his three former bandmates – Boy George, Roy Hay, and Mikey Craig – were ordered to pay him £1.75 million. This court order reportedly left Boy George facing bankruptcy, though a voluntary arrangement regarding the debt was later reached.
Moss, who spent over £1 million on legal fees, had also tried to prevent Boy George from selling his £17 million Hampstead home during proceedings. Boy George vehemently denied Moss's allegation that he attempted to defraud him of tour funds, calling the claims a "personal attack" and "entirely untrue."
Unpaid Debts and Lingering Bitterness
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Boy George had so far repaid only £1,000 of the multi-million pound settlement. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the singer stated, "I'm working hard to pay back all my debt." He concluded with a wry piece of advice: "My advice is, don't sleep with the drummer."
This latest outburst contrasts with comments Boy George made just months prior, where he claimed to have "removed any real hatred" towards Moss. The pair's intimate relationship during the band's 1980s heyday, which produced global hits like Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, has added a deeply personal layer to the professional and financial fallout.
Despite splitting in 1986, Culture Club reformed in 1998 and have continued to tour and record, selling over 50 million records worldwide. The band's future plans for 2026 now continue without the drummer who helped shape their original sound.
