Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Elton John

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 22, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Elton John.

Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer, songwriter, and pianist, renowned for his contributions to the music industry. His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs, contributing to over 300 million records sold globally. Elton John's impact extends beyond music, solidifying him as one of the best-selling artists ever and an EGOT winner.

Sections (6)

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

October 1983: Controversial Performance in Sun City

In October 1983, Elton John caused controversy when he broke the United Nations' cultural boycott on apartheid-era South Africa by performing at Sun City.

1987: Libel case against The Sun newspaper

In 1987, Elton John won a libel case against The Sun newspaper, which published false allegations that he had had sex with rent boys.

2000: Criticism of Catholic Church beliefs

In 2000, Elton John characterised the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church on homosexuality as "ignorance" after a priest stated homosexuals engage in "a lifestyle that can never respond to the deepest longings of the human heart."

2006: Statements on religion in The Observer interview

In a 2006 interview with The Observer, Elton John stated that he would "ban religion completely, even though there are some wonderful things about it" and that "religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people".

2010: Controversy over remarks about Jesus

In 2010, some Christian groups in the US criticised Elton John after he described Jesus as a "compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems".

2013: Resisted calls to boycott Russia but criticized gay propaganda law

In 2013, Elton John resisted calls to boycott Russia in protest at the Russian gay propaganda law, but told fans at a Moscow concert that the laws were "inhumane and isolating".

2019: Renate Blauel claims Elton John's autobiography broke the terms of their divorce agreement

In 2019, Renate Blauel sued Elton John for writing about their relationship in his 2019 Me: Elton John Official Autobiography, which she claimed broke the terms of their divorce agreement.

2019: Death threats following statements on religion

In his 2019 autobiography, Me, Elton John stated that he had received many death threats as a result of his statements. Neal Horsley was arrested for making terrorist threats, after posting a YouTube video stating: "We're here today to remind Elton John that he has to die".

2020: Settlement of lawsuit with Renate Blauel

In 2020, the lawsuit between Renate Blauel and Elton John was settled after she sued him for writing about their relationship in his 2019 autobiography.

October 2021: Named in the Pandora Papers

In October 2021, Elton John was named in the Pandora Papers, which alleged a secret financial deal involving tax havens to avoid paying taxes.

December 2022: Left Twitter due to policy changes

On December 9, 2022, Elton John left Twitter due to changes in its rules made by Elon Musk, stating his concern about the spread of misinformation. Musk responded, inviting him back and questioning which misinformation he was concerned about.

June 2023: Commented on Phillip Schofield's affair

On June 20, 2023, Elton John commented that the reaction to Phillip Schofield's secret affair with a younger colleague was "totally homophobic."

December 2024: Public opposition to cannabis legalisation

In December 2024, Elton John made public his opposition to cannabis legalisation, describing its legalisation in Canada and parts of the United States as "one of the greatest mistakes of our time."

2025: Expressed betrayal over copyright laws

In 2025, Elton John said he felt "incredibly betrayed" by the Labour government over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws, criticizing Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.