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.
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.
In April 1998, George Michael's homosexuality became publicly known following his arrest for public lewdness.
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.
In 1998, George Michael came out as gay and was arrested for public lewdness, leading to increased media attention on his personal life.
In 1999, Marcelo Rodríguez brought a US$10 million court case in California against George Michael, claiming that the "Outside" video "mocked" him.
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.
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.
In February 2006, George Michael was arrested for possession of Class C drugs.
On 23 July 2006, George Michael was accused of engaging in anonymous public sex at London's Hampstead Heath.
In 2006, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offences, marking a challenging period in his life.
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.
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.
In 2008, George Michael was arrested for drug-related offences, compounding his struggles with substance abuse.
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.
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.
On 12 August 2010, George Michael was charged with possession of cannabis and with driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
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.
On 11 October 2010, George Michael was released from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk after serving four weeks of his sentence.
In 2010, George Michael faced another arrest for drug-related offences, continuing his battle with substance abuse.
In July 2014, George Michael was reported to have been a celebrity investor in a tax avoidance scheme called Liberty.
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