Boy George confirms US tour is off

Boy George has cancelled his US tour just a week before it was scheduled to start after officials refused to grant him a visa to work in the country.

"It's a disaster because of the fans," he told a US television show, adding that he hoped to reschedule the dates, which began on July 10, for early next year.

"If I have to wait it'll be even better," he said.

US authorities denied him the permit because he faces a charge of false imprisonment and is awaiting trial in London.

A 28-year-old male escort from Norway last year accused the singer of chaining him to a wall and assaulting him, which he denies.