Laurent Garnier Boycotts The States

France's biggest superstar DJ Laurent Garnier cancelled a series of DJ dates in America this week in protest at "completely unreasonable demands made by the U.S. Embassy in France' when he tried to renew his work permit.

"In order to obtain this new visa, the rules have once again changed since November 2004 and I would now have to not only fill out an exceedingly probing application form, but also be interviewed by a member of the Embassy staff, and provide proof of ownership of my house, details of my bank account, my mobile phone records, personal information on all my family members and more," the F Com chief explained in a statement.

The Frenchman also announced he was boycotting the US in April last year, complaining that US officials had conspired to make it "impossible' for him to gain a visa, though eventually overcome his problems and flew out to perform. This time., however, he appears to have given up for good.

"I consider these demands to be a complete violation of my privacy and my civil liberties and I refuse to comply," Laurent added. "I am horrified by these new regulations and feel really sad that this is what some call freedom and democracy."
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