AceShowbiz - Legendary producer Brian Eno is convinced U2 frontman Bono is "hated" in Britain, because the public can't stand seeing a pop star meddle in international affairs. The Irish rocker is well known for his humanitarian work and philanthropic efforts over the years, and he has also met with a string of high profile world leaders, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, as part of his campaigning.

But Eno is adamant the singer's attempts to dabble in world politics have made him unpopular in the U.K., because Brits think he should stick to making music. He tells BBC TV show Arena, "Bono commits the crime of rising above your station. To the British, it's the worst thing you can do."

He adds, "Bono is hated for doing something considered unbecoming for a pop star - meddling in things that apparently have nothing to do with him. He has a huge ego, no doubt about it. On the other hand, he has a huge brain and a huge heart. He's just a big kind of person. That's not easy for some to deal with.

He continues, "They don't mind in Italy. They like larger-than-life people there. In most places in the world they don't mind him. Here (in Britain), they think he must be conning them."