INXS Responds to "Dumped" Lead Singer Controversy

MUSIC NEWS - Australian rockers INXS have responded to reports that they ruthlessly dumped their lead singer JD Fortune at an airport and insisted his recent outburst has now ruled out any chance of his return. Fortune, who won the jopb with the band on a reality TV show, last week claimed he was fired from the band with only a handshake as he waited for a flight at the Hong Kong airport.

But a spokesperson for the Australian rockers claims that band members, Andrew Farris, Jon Farris, Tim Farris, Kirk Pengilly and Garry Beers are very surprised by Fortune's statement, because they were about to involve him in their next recording venture and tour. INXS creative director Chris Murphy says, "Not only are we shocked by the claims, even the place the supposed incident was to have taken place is a mystery to the band. "What annoys me the most after viewing Fortune's interview is the bloody slant he makes toward the founding band members. These guys are the nicest people on this planet, they are not the people he portrays. "The band have always stated to me that Fortune's services could potentially be contracted again when INXS next tour. In fact he was next on my list to call regarding a very big recording project I am putting together for INXS at present. I guess I have no reason to call him now."