George Michael’s ex Kenny Goss to feature heavily at funeral

George Michael, who died on Christmas Day, is to be honoured by his ex partner Kenny Goss.

Radar Online has reported that the mega-star’s family want Goss to play a major role in the funeral – despite the couple splitting in 2009 after 13 years – as a public acknowledgement of the singer’s sexuality.

This has fuelled rumours that the Panayiotou  [George’s real surname]  family do not want George’s most recent partner, Fadi Fawaz, involved any further.

Fawaz has been criticised for the speed with which he gave details regarding George’s death to tabloid newspapers, and suggesting that the star wanted to die.

The police have been in contact with Fawaz, who may have been one of the last people to see George alive, but the death is not being treated as suspicious.

In a short statement, Goss said: “The beautiful memories and music he brought to the world will always be an important part of my life and those who also loved and admired him.”

The funeral is being delayed, contrary to Greek Orthodox rules on burial within a week, as the post-mortem was inconclusive. It is believed the service will be shown on Greek television, a wonderful post-script considering George’s particular early struggles with how to square his sexuality with his culture’s animosity towards homosexuality.

George Michael is an indelible part of gay history, and his impact changed LGBT+ lives for the better. Beginning tomorrow, Attitude will be serialising his iconic, life-affirming and most intimate interview ever. In five parts, we will rediscover the essence of George through his 2004 interview with the magazine.

Check out this run-down of 20 of George’s greatest hits:

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