Major Controversies Surrounding Amy Winehouse: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Amy Winehouse—discover key moments of controversy.

Amy Winehouse was a British singer and songwriter celebrated for her contralto vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Her music was a blend of soul, R&B, and jazz. Beyond her music, her fashion sense and tumultuous personal life also drew significant attention, solidifying her as a major figure in popular culture. She achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with albums like 'Back to Black,' but struggled with substance abuse, which ultimately led to her death at the age of 27.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2006: Winehouse admits to punching a fan

In 2006, Amy Winehouse admitted to punching a female fan who criticized her relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. She also attacked Fielder-Civil when he tried to calm her down, kneeing him in the crotch.

2006: Relationship with Alex Clare

In 2006, Amy Winehouse dated chef-musician Alex Clare while on a break from Blake Fielder-Civil. They lived together briefly, and Clare sold his story to the News of the World.

June 2007: Winehouse admits to violence

In June 2007, Amy Winehouse admitted that she could sometimes be violent toward Blake Fielder-Civil after she had been drinking.

July 2007: Fielder-Civil's assault of a pub landlord

In July 2007, Blake Fielder-Civil assaulted a pub landlord, breaking the victim's cheekbone, which lead to legal repercussions and his subsequent imprisonment.

August 2007: Photographed bloodied and bruised after an alleged fight

In August 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were photographed, bloodied and bruised, in the streets of London after an alleged fight, although she contended her injuries were self-inflicted. Her parents and in-laws publicly reported their concerns.

October 2007: Winehouse and Fielder-Civil arrested for cannabis possession

In October 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were arrested in Bergen, Norway, for possession of seven grams of cannabis. They were later released and fined 3850 kroner (around £350). Winehouse initially appealed the fines but later dropped the appeal.

January 2008: Video of Winehouse smoking crack cocaine surfaces

In January 2008, The Sun posted a video of Amy Winehouse appearing to smoke crack cocaine and discussing taking ecstasy and Valium. Her father moved in with her, and she entered a rehabilitation facility.

April 2008: Fear of unsuccessful drug rehabilitation efforts

By late April 2008, Amy Winehouse's erratic behaviour raised fears that her drug rehabilitation efforts had been unsuccessful. Her father and manager sought to have her detained under the Mental Health Act of 1983.

April 2008: Winehouse cautioned for assault

On 26 April 2008, Amy Winehouse was cautioned after admitting to police that she slapped a 38-year-old man in the face, which was considered a "common assault" offence. She voluntarily turned herself in and was held overnight. Police stated that she was "in no fit state" to be interviewed upon her arrival.

July 2008: Fielder-Civil's confession

During a visit with Mitch Winehouse at the prison in July 2008, Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly said that he and Amy Winehouse would cut themselves to ease the pain of withdrawal. Amy Winehouse also reportedly confessed to having an affair in 2008.

July 2008: BBC and media complicity in undermining celebrities

In July 2008, Jeff Zycinski of BBC Radio Scotland stated that the BBC and media were complicit in undermining celebrities like Amy Winehouse. Lily Allen defended Winehouse, stating that she was "very clever, intelligent, witty, funny person who can hold it together" despite her struggles with drugs.

September 2008: Incident at Prince's Trust charity ball

In September 2008, Amy Winehouse allegedly hit dancer Sherene Flash in the eye at the Prince's Trust charity ball. This incident led to her arrest and charge with common assault in March 2009.

September 2008: Rumors of relapse

In September 2008, Amy Winehouse's dishevelled appearance after a club night prompted new rumours of a relapse. Photographers reported seeing cuts on her arms and legs.

2008: Drug problems threaten career

By 2008, Amy Winehouse's drug problems threatened her career. Nick Gatfield of Island Records considered releasing her to deal with her issues. Post-Grammys, some questioned whether Winehouse should have been honored with awards given her recent personal and drug problems.

2008: NME Awards nomination and "Worst Dressed Performer" award

In 2008, Amy Winehouse's look, inspired by Latinas in Miami, was repeatedly denigrated by the British press. At the NME Awards that year, Winehouse was nominated for "Best Solo Artist" and "Best Music DVD" but was also awarded "Worst Dressed Performer". She was also ranked number two on Richard Blackwell's annual "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list.

March 2009: Winehouse arrested for common assault

On 5 March 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested and charged with common assault following Sherene Flash's claim that Winehouse hit her in the eye at the September 2008 Prince's Trust charity ball. Her US Coachella Festival appearance was canceled due to this legal issue, and Winehouse pleaded not guilty in court on 17 March.

December 2009: Winehouse arrested for assaulting theater manager

In December 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested for a third time on charges of common assault and a public order offense. This occurred after she assaulted the front-of-house manager of the Milton Keynes Theatre when he asked her to move to a different seat after noisy participation in the pantomime and advised her not to drink more. Winehouse pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge.

June 2011: Winehouse's European tour cancelled

In June 2011, Amy Winehouse started her 12-leg European tour in Belgrade, but her performance was poorly received, leading to the cancellation of subsequent shows.

2011: Reports of potential adoption

In 2011, there were reports that Amy Winehouse was in the process of adopting a 10-year-old girl from St. Lucia named Dannika Augustine, with whom she had formed a strong bond. However, Winehouse's representative denied these claims.