Boy George has responded firmly to critics opposing Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, affirming his decision to perform despite the controversy.

Boy George’s Partnership and Stance

The Culture Club frontman, 64, partners with Italian singer Senhit to represent San Marino in the upcoming competition. Eurovision organizers rejected calls to exclude Israel in December, sparking widespread debate and leading several nations to pull out.

Speaking at a Eurovision event in London on Sunday, Boy George addressed the backlash directly. “I have many, many Jewish friends that I’ve had since I was 15 or 16 years old,” he stated. “Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It’s not going to happen, it’s never going to happen.”

He highlighted his long-standing affinity, noting, “From the beginning of my career I wore a Jewish star. Go back and look at pictures of Culture Club. I am so affiliated with Jewish people. I am not necessarily affiliated with Israel. I don’t really have an opinion on that. But the job of music is to unite people.”

Countries Withdraw from Contest

The decision to allow Israel has prompted Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia to withdraw. Acts have faced challenges in signing up amid the tensions.

Regarding Ireland’s exit, Boy George commented, “Ireland is my mother’s home country. I hope they’re not too angry. But if they are, that’s out of my control.”

70th Eurovision in Vienna

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Vienna, Austria, following JJ’s victory in the previous Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland, with their song “Wasted Love.”

Artists’ Open Letter in Support

Over 1,000 entertainment industry figures, including Boy George, signed an open letter backing Israel’s involvement. Organized by Creative Community for Peace, a pro-Israel group, the letter also features signatures from Dame Helen Mirren, Mila Kunis, Amy Schumer, and Selma Blair.

The signatories emphasized, “We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music.” They expressed being “shocked and disappointed” by boycott demands, citing Israel’s response to “the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”