George Michael's cousin has accused Geri Halliwell of using the former Wham! singer to maintain her fame, and ruining his friendship with the pop superstar.

ANDROS GEORGIO was one of Michael's closest pals, until the pair fell out shortly after Michael was arrested for lewd conduct in a Los Angeles toilet in 1998.

Georgio, 42, says, "I've seen some shameless people in my life, but she was outrageous. I just saw her coming like a bulldozer.

"I'm normally very protective of George, but this was after his arrest in 1998 and he befriended her.

"We were at a dinner with my wife and she came around and sat on my lap. My response was, 'Get out of my face.' I absolutely couldn't stand it.

"We fell out when George accused me of being jealous of their relationship. He said, 'Just because she's not all over you.' I said, 'You've got no idea.' It was like, 'F**k off' and we parted.

"I hate the fact that our last conversation was about Geri Halliwell. It's ridiculous. Every time I see her on telly it reminds me."

20/12/2004 13:41