1D Drugs Shame: George Michael To Blame!

For a true indication of how ‘hot’ a life of smoking dope turns out to be, you need look no further than George Michael, another pop star who also once had millions of impressionable children idolising him.

Last week, the 50-year-old was rushed to hospital after collapsing with a mystery illness.

And not for the first time. The past decade of his life has been racked with drug abuse — in 2009, he announced brazenly that he had cut down his cannabis intake from 25 joints a day to seven — and ill health.

He’s had convictions for driving under the influence of drink and drugs, and for lewd behaviour in public lavatories.

What a far cry he is now from the young man who had it all as part of Wham!, a singer adored all over the world, selling more than 25 million records.

George Michael today lives alone in his North London mansion.

True, he has a £105 million fortune, but in middle age he cuts forlorn figure — lost, lonely and unrecognisable from the beautiful young star he once was.

Compare him with his Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley, who never took to cannabis and now leads a wholesome life with his long-term partner and stepson in a 15th-century castle in Cornwall.

Mail Online.

Wise words, Amanda, wise words...
Though you seem to be really arguing for the magical life-saving powers of being straight and married.

Update: And Tony Parsons - former George Michael court correspondent - joins in in The Sun.

Yes, that's the Tony Parsons who spent his days writing for the NME speeding off his nut.