Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Elton John

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 musical talent and flamboyant stage presence. His long-standing songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs. As a testament to his widespread impact, he has sold over 300 million records globally, securing his position as one of the best-selling music artists ever and achieving EGOT status.

Sections (6)

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

October 1983: Controversy at Sun City

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

2000: Criticism of the Roman Catholic Church

In 2000, Elton John characterized 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: Interview with The Observer

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".

2009: "Floating Voter" Description

In 2009, The Daily Telegraph described Elton John as a "floating voter" despite him being called "one of the Labour Party's most stalwart supporters".

2010: Criticism from Christian Groups

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

2013: Resisted Russia Boycott

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.

January 2014: Putin's Comments on Elton John

In a January 2014 interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of Elton John to show that there was no discrimination against gays in Russia, calling him an extraordinary person.

September 2015: Putin's Call and Invitation to Meet

On 24 September 2015, the Associated Press reported that Vladimir Putin called Elton John and invited him to meet in the future to discuss LGBT rights in Russia.

January 2017: Declined Trump Inauguration Invitation

In January 2017, Elton John declined an invitation to attend Donald Trump's inauguration, citing his British nationality.

September 2017: Trump's Reference to "Rocket Man"

In September 2017, Donald Trump referred to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un as "Little Rocket Man" during his first address to the United Nations.

2019: Ashamed of Brexit Handling

In 2019, Elton John said the Brexit vote and the way it had been handled had made him ashamed.

2019: Autobiography "Me" and Death Threats

In his 2019 autobiography Me, Elton John stated that he had received many death threats as a result of his statements on religion. Neal Horsley was arrested for making terrorist threats but the charges were dropped.

2020: Lawsuit from Renate Blauel

In 2020, Renate Blauel sued Elton John for writing about their relationship in his 2019 autobiography Me: Elton John Official Autobiography. The case was settled later the same year.

October 2021: Named in Pandora Papers

In October 2021, Elton John was named in the Pandora Papers, which alleged a secret financial deal of politicians and celebrities using tax havens to avoid paying owed taxes.

2021: Ignored Requests to Meet Boris Johnson

In 2021, Elton John said that his requests to meet with Boris Johnson regarding Brexit and touring visas for musicians were ignored.

December 2022: Left Twitter

On 9 December 2022, Elton John left Twitter, following changes to its rules made by new owner Elon Musk, citing concerns about misinformation.

June 2023: Comments on Phillip Schofield Affair

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

July 2023: Defense Witness at Kevin Spacey Trial

On 17 July 2023, Elton John gave evidence as a defense witness at Kevin Spacey's sexual assault trial.

December 2024: Opposition to Marijuana Legalization

In December 2024, Elton John made public his opposition to marijuana legalization, describing it as one of the greatest mistakes of our time, noting his own past drug use.