Authorities deny Boy George US visa

Boy George has been denied a visa by the USA administration.

The Culture Club star's 24-date tour of America, which was scheduled to begin in Las Vegas on July 11, is now in doubt.

A statement from the singer confirmed that he had been denied the visa because of a forthcoming trial on false imprisonment charges.

"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," said the statement.

"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 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, 47, was arrested in 2007 for allegedly chaining a Norwegian male escort to a wall and assaulting him. He was released on bail and denied the charges.