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 highly acclaimed English singer and songwriter, celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice and her fusion of soul, R&B, reggae, and jazz. She achieved global success, selling over 30 million records. Despite her talent and fame, Winehouse struggled with substance abuse, which overshadowed her career and ultimately contributed to her untimely death at the age of 27. Her raw and honest lyrics, combined with her unique vocal style, left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying her status as a significant figure in contemporary music.
2006: Admits to Assaulting a Fan
In 2006, Amy Winehouse admitted to punching a female fan for criticizing her relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, and then kneeing Fielder-Civil.
June 2007: Admission of Violence Towards Husband
In June 2007, Amy Winehouse admitted she could be violent towards Blake Fielder-Civil after drinking, revealing a volatile aspect of their relationship.
July 2007: Assault on Pub Landlord
In July 2007, Blake Fielder-Civil assaulted a pub landlord, breaking the victim's cheekbone. This incident led to his imprisonment in 2008 and briefly involved Amy Winehouse in the investigation.
August 2007: Photographed Bloodied and Bruised
In August 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were photographed in London, bloodied and bruised after an alleged fight, highlighting the tumultuous nature of their relationship.
October 2007: Arrested for Cannabis Possession in Norway
In October 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were arrested in Bergen, Norway, for possession of cannabis, later released and fined.
January 2008: Video Surfaces of Apparent Drug Use
In January 2008, a video surfaced in The Sun appearing to show Amy Winehouse smoking crack cocaine. Later that month, her father moved in with her and Island Records abandoned plans for an American promotion campaign.
April 2008: Erratic Behavior and Relapse Fears
By late April 2008, Amy Winehouse's erratic behavior raised concerns that her drug rehabilitation efforts had been unsuccessful, leading to her father and manager seeking to have her detained under the Mental Health Act of 1983.
April 2008: Cautioned for Common Assault
On April 26, 2008, Amy Winehouse was cautioned after admitting to police that she slapped a man in the face, a "common assault" offense.
July 2008: Imprisonment of Blake Fielder-Civil
In July 2008, Blake Fielder-Civil was imprisoned following a guilty plea on charges including grievous bodily harm from an incident in July 2007. Amy Winehouse was briefly arrested in connection to the incident.
July 2008: Media's Role in Undermining Celebrities
In July 2008, Jeff Zycinski of BBC Radio Scotland criticized the media for undermining celebrities like Amy Winehouse, questioning the newsworthiness of her lifestyle. Lily Allen defended Winehouse, highlighting her intelligence and wit despite her struggles.
July 2008: Reported Drug Use and Self-Harm
In July 2008, during a visit with Mitch Winehouse at the prison, Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly stated that he and Amy Winehouse would cut themselves to ease withdrawal pain, and Winehouse reportedly confessed to having an affair.
September 2008: Alleged Assault at Charity Ball
In September 2008, Amy Winehouse allegedly assaulted dancer Sherene Flash at the Prince's Trust charity ball, leading to later legal issues.
September 2008: Rumors of Relapse
In September 2008, Amy Winehouse's dishevelled appearance after a club night sparked new rumors of a relapse, with reports of cuts on her arms and legs.
November 2008: Sculpture Displayed in New York's Half Gallery
In November 2008, a sculpture of Amy Winehouse by Marco Perego, titled "The Only Good Rock Star Is a Dead Rock Star", went on display at New York's Half Gallery, depicting her death and sparking controversy.
2008: NME Awards and Worst Dressed Lists
In 2008, Amy Winehouse received mixed recognition, earning nominations for "Best Solo Artist" and "Best Music DVD" at the NME Awards, while also being awarded "Worst Dressed Performer" by the same organization. Furthermore, she was ranked second on Richard Blackwell's "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list.
February 2009: Continued Imprisonment of Fielder-Civil
As of February 2009, Blake Fielder-Civil remained imprisoned following his guilty plea in July 2008, related to the assault of a pub landlord in July 2007.
March 2009: Arrested for Common Assault
In March 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested and charged with common assault following accusations of hitting a dancer at a charity ball. This led to the cancellation of her US Coachella Festival appearance.
December 2009: Arrest for Assault at Milton Keynes Theatre
In December 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested for common assault and public order offence after assaulting the front-of-house manager at the Milton Keynes Theatre. She pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge.
