Breaking News: Rapper Rhymes is denied entry and detained at UK airport

Rapper Busta Rhymes is being detained at London's City Airport after he is refused entry to the UK because of "unresolved convictions" in the US.

Busta Rhymes arrived in the UK early this morning to perform at a charity gig on Friday (9/26) but immigration officials barred him from entering the country.  They tried to immediately deport him and place him on a flight back to Amsterdam but Rhymes' lawyer obtained an injunction from the UK courts.

The rapper is now being held while officials decide whether to let him enter the UK, the event's organizer said in a statement.

"We are selective about who we let into the UK and will oppose the entry to the UK of people who have been found guilty of serious criminal offences abroad," a UK Borders Agency spokeswoman said.  "It's important that people play by the rules and earn the right to stay," she added.

Busta was scheduled to play at Orange RockCorps.  The free concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London was organized for fans who committed four hours volunteering in community projects.  The concert also features R&B star John Legend and rock bands Feeder, The Automatic and Guillemots.

In a statement, Stephen Greene of RockCorps said, "The star arrived at the airport at 7:26 this morning and was denied entry.  His lawyer, Philip Trott, intervened and presented papers in support of Busta's case for entry.  The immigration authorities repeated he was to be denied entry and made arrangements to fly him back to Amsterdam on a flight at 9:30.  Contact was made with the duty High Court judge, Mr Justice Flaux, who granted an injunction at 8:58 to prevent Busta being returned to Amsterdam.  He is currently detained pending a decision on temporary admission by the immigration officer.  Documents are being prepared to apply for judicial review as early as possible today."  the statement reads.

The organizer of the event says he's "shocked at this sequence of events and this treatment of Busta".  He added, "He has the necessary work-permit and has been in the country twice already this year, so we're a little puzzled that a question mark is now being placed over his ability to enter the country to perform to volunteers."

Busta was allowed into the UK to launch the event on August 17th.  He promoted the event by helping to pick up litter in London.  He also performed at the Midnight Madness basketball event in the city.

Ludacris is flying in from the US to replace Busta Rhymes on the bill if necessary, Mr Greene added.