Boy George hits back anti-Israel campaigners who have criticised him for taking part in Eurovision

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Boy George has responded to criticism from those protesting Israel’s participation in Eurovision. The criticism arose after competition organizers decided not to exclude Israel from the contest.

Boy George, the lead singer of Culture Club, is joining forces with Italian singer Senhit to compete for San Marino in the upcoming song contest next month.

Eurovision has faced increasing debate over whether Israel should be allowed to participate, but organizers decided in December that they would be permitted to compete.

This decision led Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia to pull out of the contest, and organizers have found it difficult to attract participants.

Boy George, age 64, has finally responded to criticism about his participation, defending his decision to those who have disapproved.

He told the Daily Mail at London’s Eurovision event on Sunday that he’s been close friends with Jewish people since he was a teenager – around 15 or 16 years old.

I will always stand with my Jewish friends. It’s a matter of principle, and I won’t abandon them, ever.

Throughout my career, I’ve always proudly worn a Star of David – if you look back at old photos of Culture Club, you’ll see it. I have a deep and longstanding connection to the Jewish community, and it’s something that’s always been important to me. However, when it comes to political issues like the situation in Israel, I prefer to stay neutral and don’t really offer my opinion on those matters.

‘But the job of music is to unite people.’

Regarding Ireland’s decision to leave the competition, he said, ‘Ireland is where my mother is from, and I hope they don’t mind my involvement. However, I can’t be responsible for how they react.’

After JJ won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Wasted Love” in Basel, Switzerland, the 70th contest will take place in Vienna, Austria.

More than 1,000 entertainment professionals, including the singer of ‘Karma Chameleon,’ have signed a letter backing Israel’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest.

This happened after international groups called on the European Broadcasting Union to exclude it from the competition.

The letter, which supported Israel, was put together by the group Creative Community for Peace and was signed by prominent figures like Helen Mirren, Mila Kunis, Amy Schumer, and Selma Blair.

The group explained that events like singing competitions are essential for overcoming cultural differences and bringing people together through a common enjoyment of music, according to their statement.

They expressed shock and disappointment regarding calls to boycott Israel after it responded to the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.

After JJ won the Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland with their song “Wasted Love”, the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna, Austria.

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2026-04-19 20:48