Boy George takes aim at ex-bandmate over finances.

Editor Stephen Hill 27th December 2025

Culture Club front man Boy George has publicly criticized his former bandmate, Jon Moss, asserting that Moss's actions left him teetering on the brink of bankruptcy a few years ago. Culture Club, the iconic English new wave band formed in 1981, featured Boy George—whose real name is George Alan O'Dowd—alongside Roy Hay, Mikey Craif, and Jon Moss.

   Widely regarded as one of the most influential bands of their era, Culture Club achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 50 million records globally. Some of their most renowned hits include "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," "Karma Chameleon," and "Time (Clock of the Heart)." Despite their extravagant success, tensions have brewed over the years, particularly surrounding the fraught relationship between Boy George and his former drummer, Moss, with whom he also shared a romantic history during the band's peak popularity.  

In 2018, Moss stepped away from the European leg of their "Life Tour," releasing a statement indicating he was taking a hiatus from Culture Club, albeit leaving the door open for a future return. The following year, he escalated matters by filing a writ in London’s High Court, naming his former bandmates as defendants. 

In his claim, he alleged he had been expelled from the band by their manager after 37 years of collaboration, and he sought £200,000 in back payments and a share of the band's profits.  After Moss officially departed from Culture Club in 2021, his former bandmates ultimately agreed, in 2023, to pay him a staggering £1.75 million, a decision that temporarily left Boy George in a precarious financial position. 

Fortunately, although the threat of bankruptcy loomed, a voluntary arrangement regarding the debt was subsequently reached. Nevertheless, Boy George has made it abundantly clear that he bears no affection for Moss following the collapse of their friendship and professional relationship.  

On Boxing Day, the official Culture Club X account shared a nostalgic photo of the band, which included Moss, along with a hopeful message for the upcoming year: “Sending lots of love this holiday season from all of us in Culture Club. Here’s to more music, more joy, and dancing with you again in 2026!” 

However, Boy George quickly took to the comments section to clarify Jon Moss's status in the band, delivering a sharp remark: “I hate to correct this, but Jon is no longer in CC. He tried to bankrupt me in the last couple of years, so I hope the Xmas tree falls on his head! Lol! His leaving and attempts to destroy me did, however, inspire these songs."  

During the highly publicized court battle, it was revealed that Moss accused Boy George of attempting to defraud him of funds owed after the release of tour revenues to a company allegedly owned by the singer. In response, Boy George vehemently denied these allegations, branding them as "personal attacks" and declaring that they were completely unsubstantiated.   

Moss, who reportedly spent over £1 million on legal fees throughout the dispute, also attempted to halt Boy George from selling his Hampstead home, but it later made its way back onto the market with a staggering price tag of £17 million. Eventually, the legal battle was resolved before it reached trial. 

The settlement included an agreement for Moss to relinquish any claims to the Culture Club name and its usage, particularly in connection with concerts and merchandise, yet he was awarded £1.75 million, which was to be paid by his three former bandmates.  

This legal outcome followed Boy George's appearance on "I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!" in 2022, for which he reportedly received an impressive sum exceeding £800,000.

 Earlier, the singer noted his complex feelings about his former partner, stating, "I feel I have much to be upset about, but I have, to the best of my knowledge, removed any real hatred towards him."   Despite having only repaid £1,000 of the total amount owed to Moss, the latter expressed to "The Sun on Sunday," “I’m working hard to pay back all my debt. 

My advice is, don’t sleep with the drummer.” Although Culture Club disbanded in 1986 due to Boy George's struggles with drug addiction, the group reunited in 1998, since releasing two albums and continuing their touring endeavors successfully