Boy George has been barred from re-entering the United States because he is facing charges in the UK.
The singer, who was preparing for a US tour, must await the outcome of his English trial before re-entry into the US will be considered.An announcement at his official website states, "Boy George is devastated that he will not be able to travel to America and is very upset that he will not be able to perform at the NYSD family day and perform in concert across America and Canada for all his loyal fans he so wanted to say a big thank you for all the kindness shown to him".
"At the moment, Boy George cannot come to the United States of America because he has been refused permission to enter by the USA Administration. This is not in respect of anything he has done in the past but because he is facing a trial in November in London for something that happened in April last year. George's lawyers in London have absolutely forbidden us to speak about the facts of that case and all I can say is that 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. George has not been convicted of anything in London and there is a presumption in the Western World of innocence until proven guilty. The proceedings that George faces in London are of course important and serious but George has been given unconditional bail by the Police and Courts in London thereby permitting him to travel anywhere in the World. He is clearly not considered any form of risk in London in that regard and in that respect we are asking the US Authorities to reconsider their position. George has cooperated fully with all investigations and enquiries into the case and has put forward a full and detailed defence. We would love to be able to tell you what that defence is but we say again that we are absolutely forbidden by George's London lawyers to do so because if it gets its way back to England it could amount to a contempt of Court".
"George really would love to come to America and repay his American fans loyalty and that is why we are asking the US Authorities to reconsider their decision".
George is facing charges over imprisoning a male escort, a charge he has denied.
The refusal to allow George into the USA has nothing to do with a drug conviction he was charged over in 2006. He was ordered to do community service over that charge.
Boy George was booked for 24 shows starting on July 11 in Las Vegas.
