Story perspectives

Boy George quits Jesus Christ Superstar after AI pro-Israel backlash

8/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Boy George quit the UK production of Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over his AI-generated pro-Israel song.
He also cut ties with label manager Tony Pontius, who had refused to release the track.
The reggae track posted on Bandcamp on July 26 denies genocide and labels pro-Palestinian musicians “propaganda fuelled by the internet.”
Manager Paul Kemsley announced George will not play King Herod from August 3-15, respecting the production.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 Steven Van Zandt and Arthur Baker formed Artists United Against Apartheid, releasing the single “Sun City” with more than $1 million raised for anti-apartheid projects and a diverse roster including Bruce Springsteen and Peter Gabriel. That collaborative protest model set a precedent for musicians using releases to spark political debate, a pattern echoed today as Boy George’s AI-generated pro-Israel track on Bandcamp provokes industry backlash.

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Story summary

Boy George quit the UK production of Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over his AI-generated pro-Israel song.
He also cut ties with label manager Tony Pontius, who had refused to release the track.
The reggae track posted on Bandcamp on July 26 denies genocide and labels pro-Palestinian musicians “propaganda fuelled by the internet.”
Manager Paul Kemsley announced George will not play King Herod from August 3-15, respecting the production.

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