British singer Boy George pushed back against criticism from anti-Israel campaigners over his participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, reaffirming his longstanding ties to Jewish people.
The Culture Club frontman is set to perform at next month’s contest in Vienna, Austria, representing San Marino alongside Italian singer Senhit. His participation comes amid controversy over Israel’s inclusion in the competition, which has prompted several countries — including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia — to withdraw.
“I have many, many Jewish friends that I’ve had since I was 15 or 16 years old,” Boy George said ahead of a Eurovision event in London. “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 added that his connection to Jewish people dates back to the early days of his career. “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,” he said. “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,” he added.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, ruled in December that Israel would be allowed to compete, despite growing international calls to bar the country. The decision has led to withdrawals and difficulties for some countries in recruiting performers.
Boy George also addressed Ireland’s decision to pull out of the contest. “Ireland is my mother’s home country. I hope they’re not too angry. But if they are, that’s out of my control,” he said.
More than 1,000 figures from the entertainment industry, including Boy George, have signed an open letter supporting Israel’s participation in Eurovision. The letter said such events are meant to unite people and criticized calls to boycott Israel, saying they undermine the spirit of the competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Vienna following last year’s win by Switzerland.