An 11-year-old was sent home for wearing a Christian Grey costume to school

Thousands of British students mark World Book Day by going to school in costume as their favorite fictional characters. But one 11-year-old found himself in a bind when he dressed as Christian Grey, the billionaire hero of erotic thriller "50 Shades of Grey."

Teachers at Sale High School in northwestern England sent Liam Scholes home Thursday after deeming his suit, accessorized with cable ties and an eye mask, unacceptable.

The school said Friday that the decision "reflects the school's high standards in terms of student behavior, welfare and safeguarding." It said Liam was allowed to return once he had "modified" his costume.

Liam's mother, Nicola Scholes, said the costume had been her son's idea, and defended his choice.

Scholes said other pupils had dressed as James Bond and the title character from "American Sniper."

She told ITV television that Grey is "a character that has been put out there on the television and all aspects of media. ... (Liam) walked into school yesterday and every child knew who he was."

Scholes stressed that her son had not read the book, which has sold more than 100 million copies around the world, or seen the steamy film adaptation.

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