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Crack shame George jets out of the country
Last updated at 13:21pm on 23.09.08George Michael has fled the country following his arrest for possessing crack cocaine in a public toilet.
Escape: Michael and Goss are driven away last night
The pop star, 45, left his £5m Highgate mansion with partner Kenny Goss and six large suitcases and holdalls last night.
He has been in hiding since his arrest on Friday for possession of Class A and C drugs, which followed a tip-off from a lavatory attendant at Hampstead Heath.
Police decided to take no further action after he "showed remorse" and said it would ruin his career and stop him touring in the US.
Michael played the final date of a two-year tour at Earls Court last month and is not due to play again until an Aids benefit with Dita Von Teese in Texas next month.
Now he has decided to take time out after "screwing up again" and promised to "sort myself out", leaving last night without speaking to waiting media outside. Michael's publicist said: "We don't know where he's going."
An onlooker said: "They looked like they were going away for some time with the amount of luggage they had. They checked all the locks and made sure the lights were switched off too, all the things you do before you go abroad."
The couple were driven in a BMW to a private airfield at Luton Airport run by Harrods.
Harrods Aviation's terminal gives the ultimate discreet exit to those needing to avoid cameras. Celebrities are offered executive helicopters and planes, such as Learjets, plus low-key passport control and customs.
Michael's arrest on Friday came nearly two years after he was found slumped over the wheel of his car, when blood tests found anti-depressants, cannabis and the illegal dance drug GHB. In May last year he pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs and was banned from driving for two years.
Michael spoke openly about his drug use on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs and on the South Bank Show was openly smoking cannabis. He has said he wanted a "quieter life", adding: "I'm an old man, I really need a sit down."
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Reader views (17)
Looks like George is drinking in the last chance saloon as far as the authorities are concerned, he's had cautions, community service... next stop.. "Go straight to jail and do not collected your Mtv Award for best Live act"....
I really hope that doesn't happen and he's finally realised the damage that he's doing.. by him apologising to his fans and showing remorse.. which he hasn't done before, this truly could be a new, better chapter in this great musicans life....
We look forward to the book.... It's got to be interesting reading that's for sure, whether you are a fan or not.
- Nb, London, UK
Please, all those who buy anything to do with him (and any other druggie celebrity/musician) like tickets for gigs, music etc STOP. What a waste of space. He and all those others are not worth it.
Lou, London
Lou, in that case who do you think will be left in the music industry? The whole industry would crumble if people stopped buying from musicians who took drugs! He's a person, same as anyone else and has his own falabilities; this just so happens to be his. As long as his practices don't affect his perfomances (unlike Amy Wino), who are we to judge?
- Kitty, London
I pray George has went to rehab! I Love George so much!! I seen him in Atlanta,Ga in July & he was awesome. I am really praying he gets well. I have always Loved him & always will!! Good Luck George! Love You,Joy
- Joy132, Montgomery,Al USA
One reader says "He is like all of us, he has to deal with his demons..."
But what makes a successful, rich, handsome, talented, young man do this with his life? It would be interesting to find out, or he is simply following in the footsteps of the many self-destructive popular artists, from Jim Morrison to Michael Jackson?
- Sydney Marks, London
George is an amazing artist and until anyone knows what is going on in his life you SHOULD NOT judge.
I have been a fan for 25 yrs and I will remain a fan. I was at the Earls Court Concert on the 25th Aug and trust me he does NOT look like a man on the drugs he is ment to be on. At the same time i do not condone drugs.
Lets hope he gets some peace and quiet to sort himself out and get the help he needs. Take care George xx
- Lesley, Liverpool
George Michael deserves all the praise and support he can get. He's obviously got an addiction and like all addicts, they need support and the knowing that they are cared for by others even with their faults and demons to battle. Enough with the nasty judgements... Drug addicts are not bad people.
- Kat, NYC, USA
George comments that charging him would "ruin his career and stop him touring in the US" well tough! If he is prepared to dabble in something which could do this then if he gets caught must pay the consequences!
Again, am astounded that he has escaped with a caution - what sort of message does this send out?
- Sara Ancill, Dartford, Kent UK
It only goes to show that George is like all of us, he has to deal with his demons too.
Not knowing the ins and outs of his life we shouldnt sit in judgement.
- K Lewis, Australia
George was arrested and let go with a CAUTION.
No one has managed to confirm the Crack thing, it is still here say at this point.
I will NEVER stop supporting George, i love him with my whole heart and soul and so do alot of other people.
You can come here to Australia baby we will take very good care of you!
Keep on funkin' George, love ya babe!
- Kimberlie Mchenery, Sydney Australia
I think that there is way to much media coverage, give the guy a break, I am not condoning what he did but everyone has problems and need to deal with it...follow a common fellow and I am sure you will find even more suprising things going on!
- Patsy, U.S.A.
I hope that this serves him to really react to not do crack anymore. He knows he disappoints his fans, and although my admiration for him is great in all senses, I am sad to learn of this, especially after having just seen him in such a memorable concert. To other people criticizing him, he's not like most other celebrities that live with their head stuck up in their ***, he's truly a kind person who unfortunately has suffered great losses and perhaps has not been able to fully recuperate from these and therefore tries to escape that reality in a wrong way. And I am sure that if he said he's sorry, I'm sure he is; he just needs help. I hope he remembers that many of us want to admire him forever, IN EVERY WAY! May God bless him and guide him always!!
- Yvette, Plantation, FL U.S.
I think he's gone to rehab and kenny followed him to be in his near.
Would be the best idea of him since a long term.
Good Luck, old George!
- Careless Whisper, london
If hes done the crime, do the time , no it isnt right that celebs have there own laws.
- Lyn Marks, kensworth ,, england
This man is arguably the best musician to come out of the UK. Most of his devoted fans stand by him and wish him all the luck in the world in getting himself better. Stay safe and happy Yog.
- Tali, N.Wales
George don't worry because we love you !!!!
you are the best singer and now I believe in you , please be carefull !!!!!
sorry for my english
- Maurizio, milan, italy
Please, all those who buy anything to do with him (and any other druggie celebrity/musician) like tickets for gigs, music etc STOP. What a waste of space. He and all those others are not worth it.
- Lou, London
Amazing is it not that all celebs manage to get off with a caution when in possession of crack cocaine?!!? The mind boggles!
- Kerry, London, England
