Former Culture Club singer Boy George is considering an emergency appeal after a High Court judge ruled that he could not appear on Celebrity Big Brother.
The 48-year-old singer and DJ - real name George O'Dowd - is currently subject to Probation Service conditions after being released on licence from a jail sentence for assaulting and falsely imprisoning a male escort.
He served four months of his 15-month sentence for assaulting and falsely imprisoning Audun Carlsen (29).
He wanted the High Court to quash the decision by the Probation Service banning him from the Channel 4 programme which begins on January 3rd.
But Mr Justice Bean today dismissed his application, ruling: "I consider that right-thinking members of the public would take the view that an offender serving the non-custodial part of a sentence of imprisonment should not be
allowed to take part in a high profile, controversial television production, promoting his status as a celebrity and with considerable financial gain."
There have been reports that Boy George would have received £200,000 for appearing on the programme.
Louis Charalambous, Boy George's solicitor, said after the ruling that the singer was very disappointed. "Life goes on, but he will consider his options after talking to his legal advisers."
Mr Charalambous said he was also disappointed that the original "correct" decision by the singer's own probation officer, allowing him to appear, was overturned by the head of the Probation Service. "This was done because of fear of adverse media criticism."
He said the result amounted to discrimination because if Boy George had been a plumber, he could have worked. "This was work for Boy George and the Probation Service has prevented him from working." Their role was to provide facilities enabling offenders to rehabilitate and resettle into the community, he said.
Papers before the High Court said George handcuffed his victim to a hook next to a bed and Mr Carlsen, shaking and crying, thought he was going to be killed, but managed to escape from George's flat.
George had bondage equipment with him and Mr Carlsen said he was hit on the back of his neck and arm at least twice with a chain as he escaped.
The singer-songwriter was released on licence on May 11th and restrictions included “permanently residing” at an address approved by a probation officer, and giving notification of any approved change of address.
George, who lives in Hampstead, north London, was allowed to perform at Brighton Gay Pride on August 1st and to work as a DJ, and to give live performances.
But his request to be allowed to participate in Celebrity Big Brother was rejected by Paul Wilson, chief officer for London Probation, on December 9th.
PA