US State Department diverted by Boy George

Boy George has had an eventful couple of years. Irish pop-singer Boy George performs during the gala of Mr. Gay Europe beauty pageant in Budapest, Hungary, 04 August 2007. EPA/ZSOLT SZIGETVARY HUNGARY OUT

Irish pop-singer Boy George performs during the gala of Mr. Gay Europe beauty pageant in Budapest, Hungary, 04 August 2007. EPA/ZSOLT SZIGETVARY HUNGARY OUTHeroin arrests, a strange Norwegian guy "kidnapping" in his flat, and garbage pick-up detail in New York City were added to his illustrious resume.Now our very busy US State Department is presently addressing Boy George visa issues.The agency, which oversees all US foreign affairs, addressed the "BG" problem at their press briefing yesterday. The department’s Deputy Spokesman, Tom Casey, choked on his drink when asked what the department has against the singer who recently denied a visa.Boy George is a top selling recording artist, and in true form and typical of his self-deprecating humor, will reunite (if allowed) with his fellow NYC Department of Sanitation mates he rubbed elbows with last summer.The singer has a US tour scheduled, including a free show for the workers of the New York Department of Sanitation and their families. The singer’s visa application was recently denied and he is appealing to the State Department to reverse the decision.Transcript of June 24 press briefing:QUESTION: And what does the U.S. Government have against Boy George – (laughter) – You denied him a visa.MR. CASEY: Sorry, I should have swallowed before you said that. (Laughter.) Let’s see if I spit the water over any place else. (Laughter.)I’ve seen the report that’s out there. Obviously, visa records are confidential. But I’d simply note that there often are difficulties for individuals who either are currently subject to criminal charges or otherwise may have criminal records. So I think you might want to look toward some of those reasons as why he might be having some difficulties here.QUESTION: It’s tragic really.MR. CASEY: Do you really want to hurt him? (Laughter.)Yeah, Libby.QUESTION: Switch topics from Boy George?MR. CASEY: Yes, please.