George Michael’s ex Fadi Fawaz is banned from going to funeral of late icon’s sister Melanie
Melanie Panayiotou’s family have reportedly banned Fadi Fawaz, boyfriend of her late brother George Michael, from her funeral. (Getty)
George Michael’s boyfriend Fadi Fawaz has reportedly been banned from the funeral of the late singer’s sister, Melanie Panayiotou.
Fawaz, who was in a relationship with Michael from 2012 until his death on Christmas Day 2016, has reportedly been asked to stay away from Panayiotou’s service.
The 55-year-old was found dead at her London home by her sister Yioda on Christmas Day.
Her passing came exactly three years after the death of her pop star brother, who died aged 53.
Fawaz reportedly sent his condolences to the family, but a source says their relationship has been strained by his fight for a share of the singer’s estate.
They want to mourn her without distraction.
“Fadi did nothing but elevate the stress and sadness following George’s death. Melanie was particularly upset by his actions,” the source told The Sun.
“It made the family’s decision to snub him a simple one. They want to mourn her without distraction.”
Fawaz is contesting Michael’s will, which divided most of his fortune between Yioda and Melanie Panayiotou and left him nothing.
George Michael’s ex Fadi Fawaz ‘squatted’ in his home.
After the singer’s death Fawaz reportedly refused to move out of his North London mansion, but was removed and arrested on suspicion of aggravated criminal damage in July 2019.
One neighbour said: “The damage inside the house is really bad. I’ve never seen anything like it. Every fixture and fitting, every door and window, everything George left in there – it’s all completely destroyed.”
Shortly before her death, Melanie Panayiotou gave an interview about her brother, with whom she travelled the world during his heyday.
She told Big Issue that he would have “loved” Last Christmas, the Emilia Clarke-starring film inspired by his music.
“As many of you know, Yog [her nickname for Michael] adored Christmas and he loved the idea of this film,” she said.
“I am sure he will be enjoying seeing Emilia [Clarke]’s amazing light bulb smile, something they share, across the celestial miles.”
She added that Michael was her “‘very proud to be gay’ brother – contrary to what you may have read recently,” in reference to Elton John’s suggestion that he was “uncomfortable in his skin”.
