Culture Club singer rejects boycott activists, comparisons of Jewish state to apartheid-era South Africa, and ‘negative energy’

After staging a sassy performance in Tel Aviv for his Israeli fans on Tuesday night, Boy George on Wednesday pushed back against online criticism by Israel boycott activists, rejecting comparisons between the Jewish state and South Africa in the apartheid era.

“So George are you saying you would have played South Africa during apartheid??” a Twitter user with the handle Graham Booth asked the 80’s musical icon.

“I could have an[d] I didn’t. Could have earned well from such a gig. Israel is in my heart. Completely different equation,” replied the Culture Club frontman.

I could have an I didn’t. Could have earned well from such a gig. Israel is in my heart. Completely different equation. https://t.co/jcChkGtiI6

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) November 8, 2017

“I play for my fans, not politicians. I have never looked at any political figure and thought ‘yeah, you speak for me.’ The flow of positive energy is the key!” the singer wrote in response to another user addressing his Israel performance.

On Tuesday, Twitter user Magenta Purple wrote to the singer: “Disappointed that you have played Israel. I wish you would get involved with the @BDSmovement [Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.]”

“I’m disappointed by your tweet,” Boy George responded. “Also by the fact that you are actually doing zero to help anyone or anything? Your energy is negative!”

The pop singer flew in to Israel on Tuesday from Australia, where he is currently acting as a judge on reality show “The Voice Australia.”

It had been 30 years since the pop singer and his band played in Israel. The Tel Aviv performance was part of a reunion tour that includes original band members Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss.

George is represented by Paul Kemsley of Nixxi Entertainment, who works with his wife, Dorit Kemsley, in the family business. It could be that his Tel Aviv performance was influenced by Dorit, currently starring on “Real Housewives of Beverley Hills.” Raised in Connecticut, she has an Israeli father.

Read More: Times of Israel