Flamboyant pop star Boy George attended the launch of his controversial new memoirs in London last night--- with a new internet boyfriend in tow.

The former Culture Club frontman's book "Straight"  has caused a stir over recent weeks because it includes damning critiques of George's contemporaries Sir Elton John and George Michael.

And it seems the singer was determined to keep his name in the headlines at last night's bash at the capital's Home House. When asked of his dashing Dutch escort, the Karma Chameleon replied, "I met him on the internet.  Gorgeous, isn't he?"

George was also keen to share the fun he had writing "Straight."  Alluding to its venomous contents, he joked, "I've got so many axes to grind that the book cold have been called Grinding Axe." 

The crooner says he's willing to undergo cosmetic surgery if his increasing years ever become evident in spite of his make-up.   George is legendary for his creative face designs and is eager to keep wrinkles and other signs of old age at bay, but he refuses to book up any surgical work until he really needs it.

He says, "I guess if I wanted it I would have it. I've got a lot of friends who are planning their plastic surgery before they need it.  I prefer make-up and clothes."   

George has no regrets that he's never equaled the level of fame he achieved in the 1980's with Culture Club, despite it being "expected" of him.  He's made a perfectly good living off of his talents as a DJ, writer and photographer but knows he will always be remembered for fronting Culture Club.

He says, "What happens is when you've had big success, people have expectations on your behalf.

"When you've been successful a lot of people can't understand why you don't spend your entire life trying to recapture that moment, so even when you want something to be small or a bit more intimate, other people don't get it.  They think that you must be driven to constantly want what you had, and it's like, 'No, I don't.'"
                  
source:  contactmusic.com, March 18, 2005