Boy George is facing significant backlash after releasing a pro-war song that denies the existence of a genocide in Gaza and criticizes musicians who protest the conflict. The 65-year-old singer, who earlier this year claimed to have no opinion on Israel, released the track 'We Will Dance Again' along with its Hebrew title, seemingly voicing support for Israel's ongoing military campaign against Palestine.
Song Lyrics and Controversy
In the opening lyrics, George sings: 'You say genocide, I say war / When you're attacked, that's what the army's for / Does it get ugly? You bet it does / When I know you wanna kill every last one of us.' The song directly references the October 7 attacks, claiming they are 'never mentioned,' and describes the Hamas attack at the Nova festival, which killed 364 civilians, as being 'for the crime of dancing.'
A UN commission of inquiry stated last month that Israel is committing genocide through 'a deliberate strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinians in Gaza by targeting their children.' The report cites attacks on neonatal and paediatric hospitals, as well as 'acute and chronic malnutrition among children in Gaza.' According to Palestinian health authorities, an estimated 73,035 people, including over 21,000 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities in Israel. Israel has denied the genocide allegations.
Backlash from Fellow Musicians
The Human League's Martyn Ware responded to George's post, writing: 'I honestly can't believe that my old friend Boy George has made an overtly pro-genocide, anti-Palestinian piece of musical propaganda… George, you should be ashamed – I hope you think the money was enough to sell your soul… vile.' George replied with a quip, but Ware shot back: 'Just take the money and go.'
Others on social media called the song 'depraved' and 'repellent,' with some suggesting it 'sounds like AI.' User James Mealey noted: 'Once upon a time Boy George insisted 'War is stupid' but in his dotage shifted to 'genocide is not so bad'. A musical and moral decline of some magnitude.' This refers to Culture Club's 1984 single 'The War Song,' in which George rallied against violence.
George's Stance on Israel
George, who is not Jewish, has become an increasingly vocal supporter of the Jewish community. When questioned about calls to ban Israel from Eurovision earlier this year, he responded: 'I'm not necessarily connected to Israel. I don't really have an opinion on that. But the mission of music is to unite people.' He added: 'I have many Jewish friends, whom I've known since I was 15 or 16 years old. Are people asking me, as someone with principles, to turn my back on my Jewish friends? That is not going to happen – it will never happen.'
His long-time manager and close friend PK Kemsley, who is Jewish, voiced support for George, posting that he was 'proud to stand with my friend' and sharing the single with an Israeli flag emoji. Kemsley also wrote: 'Proud to be Jewish. Proud to support anyone who chooses love over hate and has the courage to speak from the heart.'
Impact and Reactions
The Eurovision final, which George's track did not reach, lost around 35 million viewers from 2025, with several countries boycotting due to Israel's participation. George has also shared support for the Jewish community after attacks in Golders Green, saying he was left 'in tears.'
Metro has reached out to George's team for comment.
