Hello, and welcome to The Reheat! This is a column where each week, I write about the highlights of the podcast I co-host with Sadaf Ahsan. Our podcast, also titled The Reheat, re-examines the most salacious scandals of yester-year from a contemporary lens. Whether it’s a deep dive into Bennifer’s original love story from the 2000s, or a meditation on the time princess Anne was almost kidnapped, we explain why each saga captured our imaginations back in the day. Sadaf and I also ask, would these stories be as scandalous if they happened in 2021? The answers to that question might surprise you!
Every time we release a new installment, I will be sharing some of the juiciest tidbits for the lovely readers at Addicted Magazine. Obviously, we hope these columns tantalize you enough to listen to our podcast, where you’ll learn all the fascinating details I don’t share here…
This week’s post is all about our latest episode, which provides listeners with an empathetic conversation about The Talented AF George Michael, and the so-called “Lewd Act” that forced him to come out of the closet…
Did You Know George Michael Was A Victim of Entrapment?
In 1998, Mr. Michael was caught engaging in a public sex act in the toilets of a Beverley Hills park. But did you know the person who arrested him on those grounds was the very cop who propositioned him? Yep, our boy George (not to be confused with Boy George) was the victim of a homophobic entrapment scheme. #DefundThePolice!
The Arrest Forced George Michael To Come Out As Gay
As we explain in the podcast, George didn’t have plans to come out as gay at the time of his arrest. Therefore, the police officer who entrapped him was also publicly outing George Michael. Following the incident, the paparazzi hounded the pop star for months and some of his fans turned against him; however, George got the last laugh when he turned his trauma into art; George Michael released the music video for his song “Outside” shortly after his arrest. The video is a campy parody of the superstar’s experiences: there are dancing cops, disco balls, and yes, sex in public washrooms. You must watch it! It’s a freaking masterpiece!
The Scandal Didn’t Ruin His Relationship
When George Michael was entrapped by a member of the LAPD, he was in a serious relationship with one Kenny Goss. In fact, Kenny was the person George called to bail him out of jail following the arrest. The two were actually in an open relationship, and the way Goss supported his partner following his so-called “Lewd Act Scandal” is a powerful example of ethical non-monogamy.
George Michael’s Songs Still Slap!
We had a ball relistening to George Michael’s greatest hits. From “Last Christmas” (recorded while he was still with Wham) to “Freedom” and “I Want Your Sex,” the pop sensation’s songs stand the test of time. George Michael may have passed away in 2016, but his music is eternal!
And catch up on all episodes of The Reheat here:
https://the-reheat.simplecast.com/episodes
*Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
Sarah Sahagian
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