LONDON (Reuters) - Boy George appeared in a London court on Thursday charged with the false imprisonment of a male escort.

The former Culture Club frontman fought through a huge media scrum after a minute-long hearing in which he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

The 46-year-old, dressed in a black jacket and shirt, was released on bail, with the condition that he cannot contact the alleged victim.

The offence is alleged to have taken place at the star's home in east London in April this year.

Prosecutor Nicholas Paul told the court the case centred on an "allegation of false imprisonment" but did not provide further details.

George, who did not enter a plea, will appear again at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 25 next year.

As the star left the court house he was surrounded by photographers, and it took six burly policemen to force a way through the crowd to George's car.

George refused to make any comment outside the court.