Major Controversies Surrounding Amy Winehouse: A Detailed Timeline

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

Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) was a highly acclaimed English singer and songwriter celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice and genre-bending music, which fused soul, R&B, reggae, and jazz. Selling over 30 million records globally, she achieved significant commercial success and critical recognition, winning multiple Grammy Awards. Despite her talent, Winehouse struggled with substance abuse, which significantly impacted her career and ultimately led to her premature death at the age of 27. Her raw honesty and unique style continue to influence contemporary music and solidify her legacy as a singular talent.

Sections (7)

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

2006: Winehouse admits to assaulting a fan

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

2006: Relationship with Alex Clare and Media Exposure

In 2006, Amy Winehouse dated chef-musician Alex Clare while on a break from Blake Fielder-Civil. Clare sold his story to the News of the World, which published it under a sensational headline.

June 2007: Winehouse Admits to Violence

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

July 2007: Blake Fielder-Civil's Assault and Winehouse's Arrest

In July 2007, Blake Fielder-Civil assaulted a pub landlord, breaking the victim's cheekbone, and Amy Winehouse was briefly arrested in connection with it.

August 2007: Photographed Bloodied and Bruised

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.

October 2007: Winehouse arrested for drug possession in Norway

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).

January 2008: Crack Cocaine Video and Rehabilitation

In January 2008, The Sun posted a video in which Amy Winehouse appeared to be smoking crack cocaine and speaking of having taken ecstasy and Valium. Shortly after the video was posted, Winehouse's father moved in with her to keep her under '24-hour watch'. She reportedly entered a rehabilitation facility for a two-week treatment program later in January 2008.

April 2008: Winehouse cautioned for assault and investigated for drug use

On April 26, 2008, Amy Winehouse was cautioned after admitting to police that she slapped a 38-year-old man. Ten days later, she was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs, stemming from a video that surfaced in January 2008. Although she was released on bail, the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately did not charge her due to insufficient evidence.

July 2008: Fielder-Civil Confesses to Introducing Winehouse to Drugs

During a visit with Mitch Winehouse at the prison in July 2008, Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly said that he introduced Amy Winehouse to crack cocaine and heroin. Winehouse also reportedly confessed to having an affair in 2008.

July 2008: Imprisonment of Blake Fielder-Civil

In July 2008, Blake Fielder-Civil was imprisoned for trying to pervert the course of justice and of grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident, in July 2007, involved his assault of a pub landlord that broke the victim's cheekbone, and also saw Winehouse briefly arrested in connection with it.

July 2008: Media Complicity in Undermining Celebrities

In July 2008, Jeff Zycinski, head of BBC Radio Scotland, stated that the BBC, and media in general, were complicit in undermining celebrities, including Amy Winehouse. He argued that public interest in the singer's lifestyle did not make her lifestyle newsworthy.

September 2008: Incident at Prince's Trust charity ball

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

November 2008: Exhibition of Controversial Sculpture in New York

On November 14, 2008, a sculpture by Marco Perego titled "The Only Good Rock Star Is a Dead Rock Star," depicting Winehouse in a controversial manner, went on display in New York's Half Gallery with a sale price of US$100,000.

2008: Drug Problems and Grammy Controversy

By 2008, Amy Winehouse's drug problems threatened her career. There were questions raised after the Grammys whether Winehouse should have been honoured with the awards given her recent personal and drug problems.

2008: NME Awards and Worst Dressed Lists

In 2008, Amy Winehouse was nominated for "Best Solo Artist" and "Best Music DVD" at the NME Awards, but also received the "Worst Dressed Performer" award. Additionally, she was ranked number two on Richard Blackwell's "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list.

February 2009: Fielder-Civil's Imprisonment

From July 21, 2008 to February 25, 2009, Blake Fielder-Civil was imprisoned following his guilty plea on charges of trying to pervert the course of justice and of grievous bodily harm with intent.

March 2009: Winehouse arrested for assault on dancer

In 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. As a result, Winehouse's US Coachella Festival appearance was cancelled. She pleaded not guilty in court on March 17.

December 2009: Winehouse arrested for assaulting theatre manager

On December 19, 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested for a third time on charges of common assault and a public order offence. 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 due to her noisy participation in the pantomime and advised her against further drinking. Winehouse pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge.