Muslim convert and former pop star Cat Stevens returned to Britain today after his deportation from the United States over "potential" terrorism links sparked an Anglo-American diplomatic row.
"The whole thing is totally ridiculous," Mr Stevens said on arrival at London's Heathrow airport. "Half of me wants to smile, half of me wants to growl."
Mr Stevens (56) was travelling with his daughter on a United Airlines flight on Tuesday from London to Washington when American officials diverted it 600 miles to Bangor, Maine.
They said he was denied entry to the US because his activities could be linked to terrorism.
The move outraged British Muslims and led Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to complain personally to US Secretary of State Colin Powell at the United Nations.
Mr Straw "expressed concern that this action should not have been taken", a Foreign Office spokesman said.
Arab-Americans were also outraged by the treatment of Mr Stevens, known as Yusuf Islam since he halted his singing and songwriting career and became a Muslim almost three decades ago.
"It's crazy," Mr Stevens added as he was mobbed by reporters at Heathrow. "Everybody knows me from my charitable work and now there has to be explanations, but I'm glad to be home."
Asked if he felt victimised, Mr Stevens said: "Absolutely. But you know for God's sake people make mistakes. I just hope they have made a big mistake."