Boy George’s many Californian fans – he’s still big in West Hollywood! – are mourning the sudden cancellation of his American summer tour, which was scheduled to begin its 24-date run down the road in Las Vegas, on 11 July.
The US immigration authorities have refused a visa to the former Culture Club front-man on two counts: a previous conviction for falsely reporting burglary after cocaine was found at his New York flat in 2005 (for which he received community service, sweeping Manhattan’s streets), and a pending trial in the UK on allegations that he imprisoned a male escort at his London home last year.
Like many would-be visitors to the US, it looks like Mr George, real name George O’Dowd, has fallen victim to Uncle Sam’s horrific immigration system. It’s a faceless bureaucracy, staffed by mean-spirited and incompetent pen-pushers, who make a pretty good job of tarnishing any part of the country’s overseas reputation that hasn’t already been ruined by a decade of the Bush administration.
Perhaps, though, he can commiserate with Martha Stewart, the American domestic goddess and former jailbird who was this week refused entry to the UK on account of her “previous” for insider dealing. That was no doubt at the hands of the British Home Office – an organisation so unfit for purpose (not my words, the words of a Home Secretary) that it rivals even the Department for Homeland Security for its ability to trash its parent country’s image.
Quite what damage Martha Stewart would have inflicted British public morality (or Boy George might have done to America’s) no one knows. But as things stand, America gets to keep Martha, the UK hangs on to Boy George, and lots of border police feel very pleased with themselves. How either country can possibly be the better for it, I don't see.
Image: Getty
To be quite honest I'm quite happy for Martha Stewart to be excluded from the UK. The Americans need to learn that if their immigration system continues to be petty, vindictive, and draconian, then other countries can and will play that game too. Quite frankly the more high-profile American "names" excluded the better as far as I'm concerned, until the Americans realise that the way they do things is just not acceptable to the more civilised world.
Posted by: Trojan | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 11:15 AM
Maybe they could get together in Canada for drinks? Our northern cousins seem a lot more laid back about such things.
Posted by: Mike Driscoll | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 11:57 AM
If Boy George is being refused a visa, why isn't Naomi Campbell treated the same way?
Posted by: GlosterGal | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 12:00 PM
Yes, as an American, I'm heart-broken by the loss of not getting to see Boy George. Whatever will I do? PLEASE!
Thank GOD our country is at last showing some common sense to not hand out visas to every criminal who wants to come here! Martha broke the law as well, and I have no problem with the UK not wanting her there, either.
Take your ethics-free head out of your arse and use some common sense yourself. You're pathetic.
Posted by: DeeInHouston | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 01:21 PM
Two convicted felons are refused visas to foreign countries. What's the issue? Why should celebrities get special treatment?
Posted by: Vincent F | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 02:00 PM
Wow, "the Americans?" Those sex obsessed greed plagued monster! Contrary to the know-it-all opinion of some of you Euro-twits we are not all spoiled celebrity obsessed, vindictive, regressive oligarchical Republicans nor gun toting gay bashing, mouth breathing Republican supporters. I could point out a thing or two that I find inherently absurd about your society, but you know what? It's not my place and I'm not a pompous, self righteous twit. Figure it out *before* you start speaking in broad generalities because it makes you sound exactly like what you profess to mock and ridicule.
Posted by: Nick | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 03:24 PM
"Two convicted felons are refused visas to foreign countries. What's the issue? Why should celebrities get special treatment?" - Vincent F
Point duly noted sir. I can't stand these whiners. If you are a confirmed ex-con, I see no reason why another country would allow you to visit. This goes for people emigrating from the US as WELL AS immigrating to the country.
Posted by: Matt | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 07:40 PM
Shouldn't we be dealing with more pressing issues like the war for example? Does it really matter if this performer comes over or not? Are there American soldiers dying on an almost daily basis in Iraq? Do you get my point? Time to put our priorities into perspective.
Posted by: Andy | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 09:06 PM
tell me you didn't dream up that headline, Guy Spy. I think you need to come home for tea and sympathy.
Posted by: Farah D | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 10:13 AM
Good to see our U.S. Fed. tax dollars hard at work.
As if.
Posted by: stacey | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 08:21 PM
No wonder we are the most hated country in the world!!!!! Dumb things like this. Boy George is not a criminal or was he ever convicted. I am embarrassed to be an American. Don't deal with the REAL problems, go after stupid things like denying George a Visa, geez this country IS ran by morons afterall! Way to go, increase the anti-American feelings around the world! Better take a second look at this mess!!
Posted by: Meshyl@Canada bound | Friday, 27 June 2008 at 03:13 AM
Honestly I used to adore this guy during the Culture Club years but even I can find validity in disallowing a visa to someone who's been convicted for this kind of violence against a person. I'm finding his behaviour both disturbing and disappointing, really.
Posted by: KR | Saturday, 17 January 2009 at 06:33 PM