Major Controversies Surrounding George Michael: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2025

Public opinion and media debates around George Michael—discover key moments of controversy.

George Michael was a highly successful English singer, songwriter, and record producer, considered a pop culture icon and one of the best-selling music artists ever. Known for his creative songwriting, vocal talent, and distinctive visual style, he achieved fame as part of Wham! and later as a solo artist with hits like "Careless Whisper" and the album *Faith*. His career spanned several decades, marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sections (7)

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

1987: Release of "Faith" Album and "I Want Your Sex" Single

In late 1987, George Michael released his debut solo album, Faith. The first single released from the album was "I Want Your Sex", in mid-1987. The song was banned by many radio stations in the UK and US, due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.

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April 1998: Arrest for public lewdness

In April 1998, George Michael's homosexuality became publicly known following his arrest for public lewdness.

April 1998: Arrest in Beverly Hills restroom

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.

1998: Coming Out as Gay and Arrest

In 1998, George Michael came out as gay and was arrested for public lewdness, leading to increased media attention on his personal life.

1999: Rodríguez brought a US$10 million court case in California

In 1999, Marcelo Rodríguez brought a US$10 million court case in California against George Michael, claiming that the "Outside" video "mocked" him.

December 2002: Appellate court reinstated the case

On 3 December 2002, the appellate court reinstated a US$10 million court case against George Michael, which was initially dismissed, but the court then ruled that Rodríguez, as a public official, could not legally recover damages for emotional distress.

2002: "Shoot the Dog" Release

In 2002, George Michael released the single "Shoot the Dog," a song critical of the relationship between the UK and US governments and their involvement in the War on Terror.

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February 2006: Arrest for drug possession

In February 2006, George Michael was arrested for possession of Class C drugs.

July 2006: Accusation of public sex at Hampstead Heath

On 23 July 2006, George Michael was accused of engaging in anonymous public sex at London's Hampstead Heath.

2006: Arrested for drug-related offences

In 2006, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offences, marking a challenging period in his life.

September 2007: Cannabis Use Admission

In September 2007, George Michael admitted on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs that his cannabis use was a problem and that he wished to reduce it.

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2007: Guilty plea for drug-impaired driving

In 2007, George Michael pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving in Cricklewood, London, and was banned from driving for two years and sentenced to community service.

September 2008: Arrest for possession of drugs

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 offences, compounding his struggles with substance abuse.

December 2009: Reduced Cannabis Use

In December 2009, George Michael stated in an interview with The Guardian that he had reduced his cannabis consumption to "seven or eight" spliffs per day, down from 25.

July 2010: Arrest for crashing car

In the early hours of 4 July 2010, George Michael was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive after crashing his car into a Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead, north London.

August 2010: Charged with drug possession and driving under the influence

On 12 August 2010, George Michael was charged with possession of cannabis and with driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

September 2010: Guilty plea and sentencing for driving under the influence

On 24 August 2010, George Michael pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in London after admitting driving under the influence of drugs, and on 14 September 2010, he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, a fine, and a five-year ban from driving.