Major Controversies Surrounding George Michael: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around George Michael—discover key moments of controversy.
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.
1987: Release of "I Want Your Sex"
In 1987, George Michael released "I Want Your Sex", the first single from his debut solo album, Faith, which faced censorship due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.
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.
July 2002: "Shoot the Dog" Release
In July 2002, George Michael released "Shoot the Dog," a song with a politically charged video criticizing Tony Blair and George Bush.
December 2002: Appellate court reinstates lawsuit
On 3 December 2002, an appellate court reinstated Marcelo Rodríguez's lawsuit against George Michael.
2002: Release of "Shoot the Dog"
In 2002, George Michael released the single "Shoot the Dog", which was critical of the relationship between the UK and US governments during the War on Terror. He voiced his concern about the lack of public consultation in the UK regarding the War on Terror.
March 2003: Top of the Pops Performance
In March 2003, George Michael performed "The Grave" on Top of the Pops, his first studio appearance on the show since 1986. The performance sparked controversy due to anti-war messages on band members' clothing.
2003: Invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq prompted George Michael to release the song 'Shoot the Dog'.
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.
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: 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.
July 2014: Celebrity Investor in Tax Avoidance Scheme
In July 2014, George Michael was reported to have been a celebrity investor in a tax avoidance scheme called Liberty.
