Message In A Brothel

The European press is in frenzy with the news of Sting leaving a notorious German brothel in Hamburg.

A September 13 story in Bild, Europe’s biggest-selling newspaper, ran a picture allegedly showing Sting being driven away from Relax, described as "one of Germany’s top brothels."

He’s said to have visited the club after The Police’s September 11 show at the local AOL Arena.

Bild and the U.K.’s Daily Mail reported the 55-year-old singer had "jumped into a silver SUV flanked by two bodyguards and headed into town," apparently trying to duck down in the back seat of the car.

Sting’s publicist reportedly responded with, "Sting and his wife Trudie Styler have always been open about their interest in strip clubs. I do not know whether he went to this club. However, I would not be surprised if he went. It is nothing he would be ashamed of."

In a 2004 interview with U.S. radio host Howard Stern, Styler said, "I don’t get jealous. He likes to go to these clubs where they all get naked. … I just sort of hang out and talk to them, and polish my nails."

The September 15 edition of the U.K.’s The Times reported Sting and David Bowie are facing local opposition over their bid to open a burlesque club in New York.

The stars have already leased a former restaurant in Little Italy, but locals believe the venture will lead to unwanted commotion in the neighbourhood. About 2,000 have reportedly signed a petition against the club’s opening.