LONDON, UK  --  Flamboyant British pop-star and DJ Boy George appeared in court Thursday accused of chaining a Norwegian male escort to the wall of his home in London, UK.

During the 20-minute hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London, the singer, who's real name is George O'Dowd, spoke only to confirm his name, state his not guilty plea and say he understood the terms of his bail.

The 46-year-old denied assaulting and imprisoning Audun Carlsen on April 28 last year. Carlsen claims that the singer met him on the dating site Gaydar and called him to his flat where George and another man chained him by a hook to a bed, took photos of him in "kinky gear", and threatened him with whips and sex toys.

The singer spent time talking with lawyers before leaving the court building, thanking fans who turned up to offer support, TimesOnline reports.

He said only "no comment" to waiting press before leaving in a black Volkswagen people carrier. He was bailed to reappear for trial at the same court on November 24.

Last update: 02-28-2008 13:20