Boy George Fires Label Manager Over Opposition to Pro-Israel Song Dedicated to Nova Victims

British singer Boy George announced on August 2, 2026, that he had fired his record label manager, Tony Pontius, after the latter refused to release his pro-Israel song "We Will Dance Again." The song is dedicated to Jewish victims and those affected by the Nova music festival massacre. George described Pontius as a "coward" who told him, "I don't want any connection to this song," prompting George to end their professional relationship.

Boy George, whose real name is George Dawood, shared the song independently on his social media channels last week, though it is not available on his Spotify account. The 65-year-old singer, who is not Jewish and was raised in an Irish-Catholic household, has expressed support for Jews and Israel especially since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7. He emphasized the importance of freedom of expression for nationalists, even when their views are unpopular.

The song addresses the Hamas massacre at the Nova festival, expressing support for Israel's war in Gaza. It opens with the lines: "You say genocide, I say war / When you are attacked, that's what armies are for." The title, "We Will Dance Again," is based on a Hebrew phrase used by many Israelis and the Nova community to express hope for a brighter future after the tragedy. The lyrics condemn selective memory, criticize musicians who blindly follow trends, and denounce propaganda spread online.

Following the song's release, Boy George withdrew from the upcoming London production of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," where he was to share the role of King Herod. His manager, Paul Kemsley, stated that while he respected George's convictions, he chose to step aside to allow the production to remain the focus and maintain mutual respect among all involved.

Boy George's public support for Israel sparked a wave of backlash on social media, with critics accusing him of ignoring Palestinian suffering and ethnic cleansing. Some also recalled his 2009 conviction and 15-month prison sentence for detaining a male escort in London. Pontius has not yet responded to George's statements.