Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boy George has said the royal family is the “best reality show in the world” in a new interview.
The Culture Club star, 62, participated in the latest edition of the ITV reality series I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! last winter, alongside former health secretary Matt Hancock.
Speaking to The Guardian, Boy George – born George Alan O’Dowd – spoke about his time in the jungle, the reality shows he’d never participate in, as well as the royal family.
He said that art helps him stay creative, revealing he recently completed a portrait of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, “looking hugely annoyed at the Queen’s funeral, which I found fun to draw”.
He added that while he isn’t a fan of the royals, the musician will “be forever thankful” to the late Princess Diana after she spent 20 minutes talking to his mother, who adored her, during an event in the Nineties.
Boy George’s mother Dinah O’Dowd died in March, aged 84. A representative for the Voice coach confirmed the news in a statement at the time, adding that Boy George was “devastated” by her death.
Elsewhere in the interview, speaking about his appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Boy George said he divides his time between London and Los Angeles “so I’ve appeared and sung on the show over the years”.
“Although, having said that, we all know the royal family is the best reality show in the world,” he added.
In a 2020 interview, Boy George said he regretted “belligerently” refusing an honour from the royal family.
During an appearance on Absolute Radio, he told presenter Geoff Lloyd his mother was upset when he declined to accept an OBE “a few years ago”.
He said: “I was asked a few years ago whether I would take one and I kind of said no, but I think if I was asked again I would say yes now.
“I was a bit belligerent at that point, and my mom was so upset.”
Boy George was the fourth contestant to be eliminated on the 2022 season of I’m a Celeb, after Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver.
During his time on the show, he was a vocal opponent of Hancock’s involvement.
However, he told The Guardian he believes redemption is possible for everyone — including Hancock, who was forced to resign after it emerged he had broken his own Covid lockdown rules in 2021.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments