Boy George arrested in New York on drug charges

NEW YORK - Singer Boy George was arrested in New York today for suspicion of possessing cocaine after he called police to report a burglary at his apartment in Little Italy, police said.

The singer, whose real name is George O'Dowd and who made his name with the 1980s band Culture Club, called police early Friday morning to report a burglary.

But when police arrived a little after 3am the officers found the door open and were greeted by the singer who asked them, "What's up?"

Police spokesman Detective Eric Crisafi said the singer then staggered about his apartment apparently in "a drugged stupor" and police found a small amount of cocaine next to his computer.

The singer was held at a New York police station before being transferred to Manhattan Criminal Court for arraignment on drug possession charges as well as for falsely reporting a burglary.

It was unclear what prison term, if any, he faces since police said they have yet to determine with precision what quantity of drugs may have been in his apartment.

George's musical Taboo closed in New York last year after losing money. The musical was an autobiographical look at a time when flamboyant cross-dressers reigned in London clubs and Culture Club topped pop charts around the world.

The son of an Irish builder, George rose from supermarket shelf-stocker to glitzy pop millionaire.

He became an international star in 1982 with Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? The song topped charts in 18 countries and Culture Club went on to sell almost 20 million albums.

Known for his flowing locks and the lash of his sharp tongue, the boy doll with the asexual image was devoured by British tabloid newspaper who wrote often about his heroin-induced excesses to his pitiful withdrawal.

In 1995, Boy George recounted his drug-induced fall from grace in his autobiography Take It Like A Man, writing about his convictions and relapses and about how he had finally kicked his habit.

In recent years, George made a new career as a DJ and record producer.

- REUTERS