Jennifer Lawrence 'held in airport' for lying about work visa

The X-Men actress says she was held in London after lying about her reason for being in the UK

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Jennifer Lawrence says she was briefly detained “in a tiny jail” for five hours at a London airport after lying to customs about her visa.

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, the actress explained how she had arrived in London to audition for the first X-Men film when it became apparent her passport would expire in six months.

She was due to meet with director Matthew Vaughn and producers when she was stopped by customs.

“They were like, 'Whatever you do, don't tell them that you're here for work, because they'll ask for a work visa; say you're here for pleasure.' And I'm like, 'Oh, my. Good God - I have to lie to a customs officer.

”I get there and he's like, 'Business or pleasure?' 'Pleasure.' 'What are you doing for pleasure?' 'My brother's getting married.' 'Where's your brother getting married?' 'Wimbledon.' 'Is he American?' ‘Yes,' 'Do you have an invitation?' No.' 'Are you telling the truth?'”

At this point, Lawrence says she cracked. “'No! No! I'm here for work and I don't have a work visa and my passport expires and I'm not even supposed to be here!'

“I had to sit in a tiny little jail for like five hours while they called my employer; I felt tiny.”