24 Jun 2008

Boy George denied U.S. visa

Boy George

DJ and pop star Boy George has been denied a visa to enter the United States, his Web site said Tuesday.

U.S. immigration authorities denied the visa because George, 48, faces trial in November in London on charges of false imprisonment relating to an April 2007 incident, according to a statement from Boy George's management, posted on his site.

"George is astounded at the decision and is having his lawyers here in the States look at it in the hope that someone will change their mind," the statement read.

Boy George, whose real name is George O'Dowd, was charged in London last November with false imprisonment following a complaint from a 28-year-old man, police said. The incident happened in East London the previous April, police said.

George is free on unconditional bail and is not barred from travelling as he awaits trial, his management said. His upcoming schedule includes a series of U.S. club dates in July and August. CNN.com and www.boygeorgeuk.com