LILY Allen's bid to crack the US has been dealt a major blow, with the British chart star having her American working visa unexpectedly revoked after her March arrest for assaulting a photographer in London.
The Smile singer was searched and detained for five hours at Los Angeles airport on Monday after flying in from Australia.
Allen's publicist said her client was shocked to find the US government had banned her from working in the country - only four weeks ahead of her North American tour.
"Understandably she was upset," the spokeswoman said yesterday.
"She has no idea why she was singled out for such treatment and found the whole experience distressing."
The 22-year-old, who is known for her kooky style and her infectious pop tunes, flew to the US to attend the MTV video music awards launch in Las Vegas this week and to have business meetings ahead of her US tour, which is set to begin on September 6.
Allen's unscheduled meeting with US immigration officials was triggered by concerns following her arrest in London in March when she allegedly clashed with a photographer.
She was arrested June 28 for punching a paparazzo in London.
The singer later made bail and was cautioned for common assault after attending a police station on July 19.
Allen, who reportedly lashed out at a photographer at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday night, yesterday released a statement saying she was determined to get a new work visa and complete her tour.
"It is my intention to play my American dates in September," she said.
"This depends on the authorities granting me a new work visa. "I want my fans to know that I will do everything I can to be back in America," she said.
"I don't like letting my fans down and this is a situation that I am sure we can sort."
Allen's rep said she was due to return to the UK within the next few days.
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