Boy George has pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning a male escort in his home in East London.

Audun Carlsen claims that the former Culture Club star, whose real name is George O’Dowd, chained him to a wall and assaulted him during the incident last April.

O’Dowd has been released on police bail and is due to stand trial this November.

The star spoke only to confirm his name and respond to bail conditions during today’s 20-minute hearing at Snaresbrook Crown in London.

He refused to comment on the hearing as he left the court but thanked fans who had come to show support.

(by Jason Gregory)