George Michael Steps Out Of Rehab Into ‘Crack Cocaine’ Row
Former Wham star George Michael checked out of a Swiss rehab clinic earlier this week and has walked straight into a family row over whether or not he is a “crack cocaine” addict. According to the Mirror, Michael has been undergoing therapy in one of the world’s most expensive clinics for the past year. The clinic Michael has been attending costs a reported $300,000 a month. Pop star Michael has had a number of run-ins with law enforcement over the years as a result of drug use, and has admitted to being a frequent cannabis user.
The Sunday Express reports that Jackie Georgiou, who is married to George Michael’s cousin, Andros, has told the Sun On Sunday that Michael was addicted to crack cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana before checking into rehab.
Georgiou said “He was smoking crack. There were parties where he was taking drugs and collapsing and being picked off the floor. Waking up in vomit, horrible things. He was so thin, so ill.”
“It’s crack, it’s marijuana, it’s drink, it’s coke. It was pretty dark and things were getting darker. He was going to end up locked up or dead. I’m petrified he will die.”
George is said to be absolutely furious about the claims, which he completely denies. What’s more, Michael claims that he hasn’t even spoken to Jackie Georgiou for almost 18 years. According to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Michael made a statement explaining that the stories were “wildly inaccurate” and that Michael has not had “any dealings” with Georgiou “for many, many years.”
“It is therefore unsurprising that they are so incorrect. Beyond this we have no further comment to make as the matter is now in the hands of Mr Michael’s lawyers.”
George Michael himself took to social media platform Twitter to deny the allegations made about him. The singer told his 600,000 followers not to “believe this rubbish in the papers today by someone I don’t know anymore and haven’t seen for nearly 18 years.”
To my lovelies, do not believe this rubbish in the papers today by someone I don't know anymore and haven't seen for nearly 18 years…
— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) July 12, 2015
Michael received support from singer Sam Smith who tweeted a picture of George in happier times saying that he was listening “to his favorite.”
https://instagram.com/p/5CZ286R2R1/
Michael tweeted back to Smith saying “Love you too Sam Smith.”
Love you too @samsmithworld https://t.co/28WFpCB2f1
— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) July 12, 2015
George Michael is one of the world’s most successful artists, having sold over 100 million albums during his career as a solo artist and with Wham. Michael has won numerous awards, including two Grammy’s and three Brit awards, but he has become increasingly reclusive in recent years. In 2011, Michael nearly died from pneumonia and was forced to have a tracheotomy to keep him breathing.
[Photo by Neil Mockford / Getty Images]
