RTL2-News had an update on Richie Stringini’s continued absence from US5, speaking to fans of the band and a Bravo correspondent about how the singer’s father Robert Stringini still won’t let his son leave their home in Wheaton, Illinois to return to the boy band in Germany. YouTube has since removed the report.

Viva reports that in an interview airing tomorrow on Bravo in Germany with Robert Stringini, the father of US5 star Richie Stringini, explained why the popular boyband star has not been allowed to return to Germany from the family’s home in Wheaton, Illinois. Richie is said to be “naturally very sad” over the decision by his father not to be able to return to Germany. “However, otherwise he is well,” Robert said. “I explained my reasons to him and described our concerns. It is not easy for him however he has accepted my decision.” Robert later added, “The well-being of my son is more importantly than his career.”

The story at Viva.tv has since been removed.

US5 members Jay Kahn, Mikel Johnson, Izzy Gallegos, and Chris Watrin visited ‘VIVA Live’ to discuss the continuing concern the group’s most popular member, Richie Stringini, has still not returned to Germany from his parents home in Wheaton, Illinois to rejoin them. “Richie is still with his parents,” Jay said. “I would like to stress however that he is not being imprisoned.” Jay added that Richie’s parents have “strict morals” and wondered if they had gotten the wrong impression of the group’s activities by believing media coverage.

The story at Viva.tv has since been removed. Meanwhile, distraught fans are compiling video clips begging their pop idol to return to Germany at YouTube.

Viva reports US5 star Richie Stringini has failed to rejoin the group after the holidays and is still at home in Wheaton, Illinois. Apparently, even though Stringini turned 18 on November 28th, the singer’s parents are forbidding him from returning to Germany to be with his bandmates. Now, the boy band’s management wants to fly to Wheaton and talk with the family to change their minds.

The story at viva.tv has since been removed.