Yahoo Finance Barack Obama Calls George Osborne 'Jeffrey'
George Osborne suffered humiliation in front of other world leaders at the G8 summit when US President Barack Obama repeatedly called him "Jeffrey" by mistake.
Mr Obama used the wrong name three times as the British Chancellor made a speech on tax avoidance, saying he agreed fully with "Jeffrey" and adding "Thanks for that, Jeffrey" at its conclusion.
The Chancellor did not correct the President. However Mr Obama, realising his error, apologised.
According to the Financial Times, Mr Obama told Mr Osborne he did know who he was and said: "I'm sorry man. I must have confused you with my favourite R&B singer."
London-born Mr Osborne, who is white and 42 years old, is unlikely to be mistaken for the Rhode Island-born singer, who is black and 23 years his senior.
Jeffrey Osborne was the lead singer with the band L.T.D. in the 1970s, but achieved greater success as a solo singer with five gold and platinum albums.
The US musician, best known for his 1982 hit On The Wings Of Love, told Sky News: "I was really delighted actually.
"I was really not aware that he was that much of a fan that he would call the Chancellor Jeffrey Osborne.
"Tell the Chancellor when I come over I will have to hook up with him and we will do a duet of On The Wings Of Love or something."
The Chancellor later responded on Twitter, posting: "One unexpected breakthrough from G8 - offer to sing with legend @_JeffreyOsborne. Jeff you wouldn't suggest a duet if you'd heard me sing."
Mr Cameron's official spokesman made light of Mr Obama's mix-up at a Westminster media briefing this morning, telling reporters: "A friend of mine who's a Jeffrey Osborne fan tells me that one of his tracks is Call My Name."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also confirmed on his LBC radio show Call Clegg that the President had also referred to him as the "better looking half of the coalition".
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