George Michael’s family banned Fadi Fawaz from Christmas Day memorial
Fadi Fawaz and George Michael.
Fadi Fawaz was banned from a memorial at the grave of his late partner George Michael, according to reports.
Fawaz spoke of his heartache a year on from Michael’s sudden death in an emotional Instagram post.
The fine art photographer, 44, found the singer dead in bed on Christmas Day 2016.
(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
A family friend told the Daily Star: “He wasn’t welcome at the funeral, so he isn’t wanted at this.
“It’s being seen by his family as a very personal pilgrimage to pay their respects and they don’t want anyone else involved, even Fadi.
“The bitterness the family feel is the main reason they don’t want to see him.
“Things are unlikely to stay civil if he dares show up.”
It’s reported the family have offered Fawaz the £5m Regent’s Park home in a bid to stop him writing a tell-all book.
The family are considering handing over the home along with a retainer of £250,000 a year to keep his silence.
A source told The Sun: “George’s relatives decided a good option is to keep Fadi happy by offering him the house.
“They want him to agree to it and keep quiet about George’s death.”
Fawaz posted an emotional tribute to Instagram recalling the day, as he spoke of leaving London to escape memories of the star.
“I will always miss you till the day I meet you,” read the opening line.
“It is what it is” Fadi wrote in the caption alongside it.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror Fawaz revealed he has left London for Christmas – haunted by the reminders of his time with Michael.
He was said to be “wounded” with grief and headed off to the countryside.
(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
He said: “I will be spending Christmas in the countryside with some friends. I can’t stand all the Christmas trees or lights around London.
“It makes me so sad, I just want it over and done with.”
And of the prospect of finding love again, he added sadly: “There will never be anyone ever again, that is the truth.”
He also vowed to never speak of the day he found the star dead.
(Getty)
He went on: “I don’t think I want another wound in my body. I don’t see the point in telling the worst day of my life to the world. George was one of a kind, I have lost a unique man.”
George Michael’s family also made a rare public comment to pay tribute to the late singer.
Michael’s sisters Melanie and Yioda and their dad Jack said issued a statement calling on fans to celebrate his life a year on.
(Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
“This Christmas will be hard without him, but we know that we are not alone in our mourning the anniversary of his loss,” they said in a statement.
“Christmas is not always easy, life isn’t perfect and families are complicated.
“So if you can, in his memory this year, take a moment and a deep breath and say those ‘I love yous’ out loud.”
