People News

Boy George denied US visa

Jun 24, 2008, 17:22 GMT

Los Angeles - Singer Boy George is likely to cancel his upcoming US tour after being denied a visa by immigration authorities.

Singer Boy George is likely to cancel his upcoming US tour after being denied a visa by immigration authorities. © Solarpix / PR PhotosAccording to a statement from his management team, authorities in the US turned down the gender-bending pop star's visa request because he is currently awaiting trial in Britain on charges of falsely imprisoning a male escort who claims the star chained him to a wall in the singer's London apartment. 'George is astounded at the decision and is having lawyers here in the States look at it in the hope that someone will change their mind,' the singer's management said in a statement. 'George has not been convicted of anything in London and there is a presumption in the Western world of innocence until proven guilty.' The tour was scheduled to begin July 10 in Aspen, Colorado, and end August 23 in Dallas. The nationwide tour was also to have included a free concert at New York City's Department of Sanitation's annual Family Day to thank the department where he completed a community service sentence in 2006. 'I am getting my life together and was really looking forward to performing in concert for all my loyal fans,' said the 47-year-old singer whose real name is George O'Dowd. 'I love America and am really sad that I am not allowed to visit a place I called home at various times in my life.'