Blake Fielder-Civil Breaks Silence on Amy Winehouse's Death
In a deeply personal and revealing interview, Blake Fielder-Civil, the former husband of the late singer Amy Winehouse, has publicly addressed the persistent accusations that he bears responsibility for her tragic death. Speaking on Paul C. Brunson's "We Need To Talk" podcast, Fielder-Civil, now 43 and sober, delivered his first extensive comments since Winehouse's passing in 2011 at age 27, vowing to reclaim his own narrative after years of public scrutiny.
Addressing the Blame and Shared Addiction
Fielder-Civil, who was married to Winehouse from 2007 to 2009, has frequently been criticized for introducing her to hard drugs during their tumultuous relationship. However, in the interview, he firmly rejected the notion that he alone caused her addiction. "It's a fact that Amy and I became addicts together," he stated, emphasizing that Winehouse had already experimented with drugs like cocaine before they met.
He elaborated on their heroin use, noting, "The heroin was something I tried about ten times over six months with friends. The first time she did it was with me, and it was probably my sixth time." While acknowledging his role, Fielder-Civil stressed that Winehouse retained her own agency, saying, "Amy did what she wanted to do, even knowing the drinking had started to hurt her."
Winehouse's Official Cause of Death and Fielder-Civil's Response
Winehouse's death was officially attributed to alcohol toxicity, with her blood alcohol level recorded at more than five times the legal limit at the time. Responding to claims that he contributed to her addiction and demise, Fielder-Civil told Brunson, "My stance now is that I know many people, especially from media 20 years ago, think Amy's passing is my responsibility. I've made my peace that I had a part to play, but Amy herself had agency."
He added, "I need to defend myself slightly—it's not fair to the people who love me to think untruths." This marks a significant shift as he seeks to clarify his involvement without disrespecting Winehouse's memory.
The Moment He Learned of Her Death
Fielder-Civil also shared poignant details about discovering Winehouse's death while serving a prison sentence for assault and perverting the course of justice. He revealed that he had prayed nightly for her safety during his incarceration, fearing something might happen in his absence. Prison officers showed him a news report confirming the "Back to Black" singer's death.
"My first thought was that it would be a hoax," he recalled. "I burst into tears. It was the only comfort I had at that moment for losing this massive part of my life." His cellmate, who had seen the news, offered immediate support, highlighting the unexpected solace he found in a brief acquaintance during that devastating time.
Legacy and Ongoing Discussions
This interview emerges amid ongoing public discourse about Winehouse's legacy, including recent criticisms from her goddaughter regarding tribute events. Fielder-Civil's candid reflections aim to provide a more nuanced perspective on their relationship and the complex factors leading to her death. The full conversation is available on the latest episode of Paul C. Brunson's podcast on YouTube, offering an in-depth look at a story that continues to resonate with fans and observers alike.
