Boy George breaks his silence on the death of his friend George Michael
Boy George has opened up about the death of George Michael.
The fellow 80s icon has called the news of the star’s death “devastating” in an online post.
He wrote that his thoughts are with friends, family and fans as the sad news broke.
“I am thinking of George Michael’s family, friends and fans right now,” Boy George wrote on Twitter.
“He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words.
“Devastating. What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent.
“I can’t believe he is gone.
“I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms. NMRK.”
The initials NMRK stand for Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, a central chant in Nichiren Buddhism that expresses determination and devotion to overcoming suffering.
The two men had both risen to prominence performing in bands in the 1980s.
The two stars had a major effect on the visibility of gay people in public life, with Boy George coming out first, then George Michael in the late 90s.
The duo performed together as part of Band Aid’s 1984 Christmas charity single, Do They Know It’s Christmas?
George Michael is thought to have died from heart failure on Christmas day.
Fans have since opened up about his secret acts of kindness following his death.
Dame Esther Rantzen said Michael “gave millions” to Childline, of which she is the founder a president, but that he donated the money on the condition of anonymity while he was alive.
“For years now he has been the most extraordinarily generous philanthropist, giving money to Childline, but he was determined not to make his generosity public so no-one outside the charity knew how much he gave to the nation’s most vulnerable children,” said Dame Esther.
It was also revealed he gave to a TV quiz show contestant who had wanted to win £15,000 to pay for IVF.
When the contestant didn’t win the money, George Michael rang up the show and anonymously passed on the money so the woman could have the treatment.
