Boy George has revealed he has ended his professional relationship with the head of his record label after a disagreement over the release of his controversial new single, We Will Dance Again.
The Culture Club singer announced on X that he had parted ways with Tony Pontius, who had run his BGP label for several years, after Pontius declined to be involved with the song’s release.
Boy George says label split was over new single
In a series of posts on X, Boy George explained why he had decided to end the partnership.
“In Buddhism we understand that every action comes with a consequence. Due to my decision to stand up for my Jewish friends, I am losing a few people from my life.
Today I parted company with Tony Pontius who has run my record label BGP for a number of years.
I wanted to release We Will Dance Again, but he was unequivocal and said, ‘I want nothing to do with this song’, and I responded, ‘ok, we are done’.
When someone is gutless, it really does not hurt to say goodbye. My faith in humanity will not diminish and the truth will always win. I will release it!”
The singer did not indicate whether he plans to release the track independently or through another label.
We Will Dance Again has sparked criticism
We Will Dance Again was inspired by the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel, in which more than 1,200 people were killed. The attack triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
The song has generated significant debate since its release, particularly over its opening lyric, “You say genocide, I say war”, with critics arguing it rejects the description of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide.
Boy George has rejected suggestions that he lacks compassion for Palestinians and said the song reflects his personal response to the attack and its victims.
Boy George responds to criticism
Addressing the controversy in a statement shared on social media, Boy George wrote:
“Sometimes, I realise that being an air sign I expect the world to understand me without having to explain myself.
The suggestion that I feel no compassion for Palestinian’s is both untrue and absurd.
I am devastated for the loss of the innocent lives on both sides of this war and I call for peace.
I have read members of the press calling me a ‘genocide denier’ yet those who deny the suffering of Israelis are given a free pass.
My song is pro peace and about the emotions I felt after visiting the Nova Exhibition and talking to Michael and Lisa Marlowe who had their son Jake taken from them. Murdered trying help others…
The Nova Festival is a mirror of my world as a DJ and I have played many such festivals, including in Israel so it resonated with me and I felt compelled to write something. I could have been there and we know that there were people from more than 40 countries who were. I felt these deep emotions and is wrote this song for them.
My personal opinion is that this is sadly a war, but not an attempt to wipe out Palestine. But I respect that everyone has their own opinions and believe we should all be allowed to have that right.
Look around and tell me one musician speaking out for the Jewish community, but you can absolutely guarantee they have made their living from working with a Jewish team member.
I understand that is uncomfortable to defend your friends when a war like this is raging but the woman who sells me bagels is not to blame, neither is my doctor or publicist, manager, ex boyfriend or my thousands of Jewish friends. This song is for them.
I come from a place of peace. I am a jew loving, trans hugging queer hippy and my mother would be proud of me.”
Follows withdrawal from Jesus Christ Superstar
The announcement comes shortly after Boy George withdrew from the London Palladium production of Jesus Christ Superstar, where he had been due to play King Herod from 3 to 15 August.
His manager, Paul Kemsley, confirmed the decision in a statement but did not give a reason for the withdrawal.
“After careful consideration, I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company. We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.”
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