Overview
- Speaking at the London Eurovision Party on Sunday, Boy George said he will perform for San Marino with Senhit in Vienna next month and rejected calls to withdraw.
- He said he would not turn his back on longtime Jewish friends, noted he has worn a Star of David since his Culture Club days, and argued that music should unite people.
- The comments follow the European Broadcasting Union’s 2025 decision to keep Israel in the contest, which prompted withdrawals by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland.
- More than 1,000 entertainment figures signed a Creative Community for Peace letter backing Israel’s participation, with signers including Helen Mirren, Mila Kunis, Amy Schumer, Gene Simmons, Sharon Osbourne, and Selma Blair.
- The withdrawals have created strain, with some delegations reportedly struggling to secure performers, adding pressure as the 70th contest approaches in May in Vienna.