Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Lennon

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to John Lennon.

John Lennon was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. He achieved global recognition as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, one of the most iconic and successful bands in music history. His songwriting collaboration with Paul McCartney is celebrated as the most successful in history, producing a vast catalog of timeless and innovative songs. Beyond his musical achievements, Lennon was a vocal advocate for peace and social change, using his platform to promote messages of love, unity, and non-violence, making him a cultural icon.

Sections (7)

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

1962: Hanratty Hanged

In 1962 James Hanratty was hanged. Later Lennon and Ono began to support efforts by the family of James Hanratty to prove his innocence.

June 1963: Attack on Bob Wooler

In June 1963, at Paul McCartney's twenty-first birthday party, John Lennon physically attacked Cavern Club master of ceremonies Bob Wooler for making a joke about Lennon's honeymoon with Brian Epstein.

March 1966: Lennon's Christianity comment causes furore

In March 1966, John Lennon's comment that The Beatles were "more popular than Jesus" during an interview with the Evening Standard caused a significant controversy in the US after being quoted by a magazine five months later. This led to the burning of Beatles records, Ku Klux Klan activity, and threats against Lennon, which contributed to the band's decision to stop touring.

1968: Misdemeanor conviction for cannabis possession

In 1968, John Lennon was convicted for cannabis possession in London, which the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) later used as a basis for deportation proceedings.

March 1969: Lennon and Ono marry and release "Bag One" lithographs

On March 20, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono married and soon released a series of 14 lithographs called "Bag One" depicting scenes from their honeymoon. Eight of these were deemed indecent and were mostly banned and confiscated.

1969: Self-Portrait art film appearance

In 1969, John Lennon appeared in the Yoko Ono Fluxus art film "Self-Portrait", a single forty-minute shot of Lennon's penis, premiered at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

1969: Return of MBE Medal

In 1969, John Lennon returned his MBE medal due to "Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against Cold Turkey slipping down the charts".

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January 1970: Bag One lithographs exhibited

On January 15, 1970, John Lennon exhibited his "Bag One" lithographs at Eugene Schuster's London Arts Gallery. The show was raided 24 hours later, and police confiscated 8 of the 14 lithographs on the grounds of indecency.

December 1970: Lennon expresses bitterness towards McCartney

In December 1970, during an interview with Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone magazine, Lennon revealed his bitterness towards McCartney, accusing him of using the band's breakup to sell records.

February 1972: Strom Thurmond suggests deportation

In February 1972, Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested that deporting John Lennon would be a "strategic counter-measure" against his anti-war activities, as the Nixon administration feared Lennon's involvement in a concert could affect the upcoming election.

1972: Release of Some Time in New York City

In 1972, Lennon and Ono released Some Time in New York City, a collaboration with Elephant's Memory. The album addressed topics such as women's rights, race relations, and Lennon's green card difficulties. The album was not commercially successful.

1973: Ono Suggests Pang Become Lennon's Companion

In 1973, after May Pang had been working with John Lennon and Yoko Ono for three years, Ono confided that she and Lennon were becoming estranged. She suggested that Pang should begin a physical relationship with Lennon.

1974: Alcohol-fueled antics at The Troubadour

In early 1974, Lennon engaged in alcohol-fueled antics with Harry Nilsson, resulting in two widely publicized incidents at The Troubadour club in March.

1980: Harrison's Autobiography Offends Lennon

In 1980, George Harrison offended John Lennon when he published his autobiography, "I, Me, Mine," which Lennon felt made little mention of him and his influence on Harrison's life.