Challenges in the Life of George Michael in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped George Michael's life and career.
George Michael was a highly influential English singer-songwriter and record producer, achieving global recognition as a pop culture icon. His impact stemmed from his creative abilities in songwriting, distinctive vocal style, and innovative visual presentations. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the music industry and enduring influence on popular culture.
1991: Michael's relationship with Anselmo Feleppa begins
In 1991, George Michael began a relationship with Anselmo Feleppa, who was diagnosed as HIV-positive six months into their relationship.
1993: Death of Anselmo Feleppa
In 1993, Anselmo Feleppa, George Michael's partner, died of an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage.
April 1998: Arrest for public lewdness
In April 1998, George Michael's homosexuality became publicly known following his arrest for public lewdness.
April 1998: George Michael arrested for lewd act
On 7 April 1998, George Michael was arrested for "engaging in a lewd act" in a public restroom of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California.
1999: Marcelo Rodríguez files lawsuit against Michael
In 1999, Marcelo Rodríguez brought a US$10 million court case in California against George Michael for allegedly mocking him in the "Outside" music video.
December 2002: Appellate court reinstates lawsuit
On 3 December 2002, an appellate court reinstated Marcelo Rodríguez's lawsuit against George Michael.
February 2006: Arrest for drug possession
In February 2006, George Michael was arrested for possession of Class C drugs and cautioned by the police.
July 2006: Accusation of public sex
On 23 July 2006, George Michael was again accused of engaging in anonymous public sex, this time at London's Hampstead Heath.
2006: Arrested for drug-related offences
In 2006, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offenses.
2007: Guilty plea for drug-impaired driving
In 2007, George Michael pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving and was banned from driving for two years and sentenced to community service.
2007: George Michael discusses hiding his sexuality
In 2007, George Michael said he had hidden his sexuality because of worries over what effect it might have on his mother.
September 2008: Arrest for drug possession
On 19 September 2008, George Michael was arrested in a public convenience in the Hampstead Heath area for possession of Class A and C drugs.
2008: George Michael on the loss of Anselmo Feleppa
In 2008, George Michael spoke about the loss of Anselmo Feleppa, describing it as a terribly depressing time.
2008: Arrested for drug-related offences
In 2008, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offenses.
December 2009: Michael explains cutting back on cannabis
In December 2009, George Michael explained he had cut back on cannabis and was smoking only "seven or eight" spliffs per day instead of the 25 per day he had formerly smoked.
July 2010: Arrest for crashing car into shop
In July 2010, George Michael crashed his car into a Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead and was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive.
August 2010: Charged with possession and driving under the influence
In August 2010, George Michael was charged with possession of cannabis and with driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
September 2010: Guilty plea for driving under the influence
In September 2010, George Michael pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs.
October 2010: Sentenced to prison and driving ban
In October 2010, George Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, fined, and banned from driving for five years.
2010: Arrested for drug-related offences
In 2010, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offenses.
October 2011: Performance cancelled due to viral infection
In October 2011, George Michael cancelled a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London due to a viral infection.
2011: George Michael's Coma
In 2011, George Michael fell into a coma due to pneumonia but eventually recovered.
May 2013: Car Accident on M1 Motorway
In May 2013, George Michael sustained a head injury in a car accident on the M1 motorway near St Albans in Hertfordshire and was airlifted to hospital. His injuries were reported as superficial, and he was later discharged.
June 2015: Checked into Drug Rehabilitation Facility
In June 2015, George Michael checked into a drug rehabilitation facility in Switzerland.
