More than a decade after the death of , her former husband is speaking candidly about the grief, guilt and public scrutiny he faced in the years that followed.
In a recent interview on a podcast hosted by , Fielder-Civil reflected on the day Winehouse died and the emotional toll it took on him — particularly because he was behind bars at the time.
He recalled trying to reach her the day she passed, making multiple calls that went unanswered. It wasn’t until later that prison officials informed him of her death — a moment he described as overwhelming and difficult to process.
Fielder-Civil said that during his time in prison, he often feared something would happen to Winehouse while he was unable to help her. That fear, he admitted, became a reality he wasn’t prepared to face.
He also spoke about the aftermath — not just losing someone he described as his closest companion, but dealing with intense public blame while grieving in isolation. Because of his incarceration, he was unable to attend Winehouse’s funeral, something that added to the emotional weight of the loss.
Over the years, Fielder-Civil has been widely linked to Winehouse’s struggles with addiction — a narrative he addressed carefully. He acknowledged their shared challenges, describing a period where both were battling substance abuse, but pushed back on the idea that he alone was responsible.
According to him, their relationship evolved over time, and addiction became a part of their lives later on — something he believes could happen to anyone in similar circumstances.
Now, years removed from that chapter, Fielder-Civil says he is sober and in a stable relationship. He expressed hope that Winehouse would be happy to see the progress he has made.
His reflections offer a more personal look at a story that has often been told through headlines — one centered not just on fame and tragedy, but on loss, accountability and the long path toward recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. In the United States, you can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for confidential support.