GEORGE will join the TRANNYSHACK team on their float during he gay pride, for more information go on http://pridelondon.com

Pic Caption: Boy George leaving his home wearing a scarf covering his face. London, England - 18.05.09

More pictures on http://www.contactmusic.com/photos.nsf/main/boy_george_2421832

Boy George enjoys the bank holiday sunshine with friends

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:03 PM on 24th May 2009

Eighties pop star Boy George was spotted making the most of the bank holiday weather as he enjoyed coffee in a park café with friends.

The 47-year-old held court with several men in Belsize Park yesterday.Dressed down in a black T-shirt and trousers the former pop idol looked relaxed and happy. 

Holding court: Singer boy George with three male friends in Belsize Park yesterday

The singer, whose real name is George O’Dowd, was jailed in January for imprisoning a rent boy.He was released from Edmunds Hill prison in Suffolk earlier this month.The fallen star was found guilty of thrashing Audun Carlsen, 29, with a chain as he was shackled to a wall in the singer's East London flat in 2007. The Norwegian freed himself and fled in his underpants, screaming.The singer was sentenced to 15 months but was released early for good behaviour.
George, who has fought addictions against drink and drugs, seemed to have lost a considerable amount of weight when he emerged from prison.But while he was boasting a healthy complexion yesterday, it looks as if the pounds are creeping back on.

George was accused of ‘gratuitous violence’ by the judge who sentenced him in January.Condemning his 'premeditated', 'callous' and drug-fuelled frenzy which 'traumatised' Mr Carlsen, the judge said his victim had been 'deprived of his liberty and his human dignity'.He said the offence was 'so serious that only an immediate sentence of imprisonment can be justified'.O'Dowd's own barrister admitted that his client's career had hit rock bottom and likened the behaviour of the two men to 'two drug-crazed idiots'.His solicitor Adrian Waterman said the singer's continuing battle with cocaine addiction had contributed to his actions, but he was making a concerted effort to deal with his addiction.He did not give evidence in court - his brother David O'Dowd said it was because he did not want to cause further upset to his elderly mother.At the height of O'Dowd's fame in the Eighties, he sold over 25million records worldwide with his group the Culture Club.In the Nineties, he made his name again as a successful DJ and also launched his own fashion range B.Rude.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1187070/Boy-George-enjoys-bank-holiday-sunshine-friends.html

George salutes his new life

14 May 2009

FANS of Boy George say prison gave him a new perspective after the singer was released from prison four months into his 15 month sentence.

The 47-year-old singer, who was born and raised in Eltham, was released from Edmunds Hill Prison in Suffolk on Monday.

He was jailed in January for handcuffing a male escort to his bed in his Shoreditch flat and chasing him down the street with a chain.

Upon release he was greeted by friends and family outside prison where he showed off his slimmer look and grey beard.

The singer, whose real name is George O'Dowd, is now expected to wear an electronic tag during the remaining 11 months of his sentence.

Friend Michael Fontana, also known as Eileen Dover, said: "It was a good thing for him to have a rest though a retreat would have been better than prison.

"I think he has a new perspective and perhaps prison gave him that.

"I can't wait to see what kind of looks he cooks up now that he is bearded.

"I think he looks amazing. I feel that as a person who struggles with addiction myself, I have experienced situations that have put me in a controversial position.

"He is a wonderful person who inspired my sobriety in 2003 and I hope he stays sober and continues to be the creative genius that he is.

"Let us not forget, he is human. He is held up to higher expectations and if those who criticized him were in the public eye for ten minutes they'd crumble.

"He is strong and I believe stronger now than before. I think his friendships and family relationships will take on new meaning now and I know great things will come from this incredible man.

"I hope he finds someone who loves him for who he really is, not his celebrity or money. He deserves all the happiness life has to offer."

marina.soteriou@archant.co.uk

http://www.bexleytimes.co.uk/content/bexley/times/news/story.aspx?brand=BXYOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbxy&itemid=WeED14%20May%202009%2010%3A08%3A29%3A500

Boy George Released From Prison After Just 4 Months

See photos of the bearded singer returning home...

• by Scott Colothan
• Monday, May 11, 2009
• Photo by: Splash News

Boy George has been released from jail today after serving less than a third of a 15 month sentence for imprisoning a rent boy.

Looking slimmer and healthier than when he was sentenced, the bearded singer was in jovial spirits as he left Edmunds Hill Prison in Suffolk, saluting to the waiting press.

The Eighties icon was released just 4 months into his sentence because of good behaviour, but will wear a monitoring tag and be under curfew for the coming months.

The 47-year-old must also regularly report to a probation officer under his release conditions.

George was sentenced on January 16 after being found guilty of handcuffing Audun Carlsen to a radiator in his bedroom in April 2007.

At the time Judge David Radford told George he was guilty of "gratuitous violence". He added that the actions were "premeditated" and "callous", and had "traumatised" Carlsen.

http://www.festivalwise.com/article.php?id=50822&image=3#gallery

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