Blake Fielder-Civil, Amy Winehouse’s ex-husband, was a central figure in her life, both personally and musically. Their relationship was highly publicized, marked by passion, addiction, and turbulence. The recent biopic Back to Black has reignited interest in their story, offering new perspectives on the couple’s brief yet impactful marriage. Here, we take a look at who Blake Fielder-Civil is today and how his life has evolved since Winehouse’s tragic passing in 2011.
The Tumultuous Love Story of Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil
Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil met in 2005 at a London pub, a few years before Winehouse’s global rise to fame. At the time, Fielder-Civil was working in video production, while Winehouse was on the cusp of stardom. Their relationship quickly became one of the defining chapters in Winehouse’s life and music.
Many of the songs on her critically acclaimed Back to Black album were inspired by her tumultuous romance with Blake. The pair wed in 2007, but their relationship was marked by struggles with addiction, infidelity, and personal demons, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2009.
Their relationship, often fraught with tension and fueled by substance abuse, was heavily scrutinized by the media. Despite the public’s perception that Fielder-Civil was a negative influence on Winehouse, he has since maintained that their issues were much more complicated than the tabloids suggested.
Blake Fielder-Civil After Amy’s Death
Following Amy Winehouse’s death from alcohol poisoning in 2011, Fielder-Civil faced widespread criticism, with many blaming him for introducing her to the drugs that contributed to her downfall. In interviews, including one with Good Morning Britain in 2018, Fielder-Civil attempted to clarify the narrative, stating that while he regrets not doing more to help Winehouse, the couple’s drug use was not solely his responsibility.
In the years following Winehouse’s death, Fielder-Civil battled his own addiction issues. However, as of 2024, he has shared that he’s been clean for several years and has distanced himself from the tumultuous life he once led.
Blake’s Reflections on His Relationship with Amy Winehouse
In recent interviews, including one related to the Back to Black biopic, Fielder-Civil has spoken openly about his feelings toward Winehouse and their time together. He has acknowledged his mistakes, stating, “I was a 20-something-year-old drug addict. I had absolutely no idea how to make myself clean, let alone somebody else who was a big cog in a machine for a record label.” He further reflected that while their relationship had deep problems, it was also built on genuine love, despite the public’s perception of it being solely destructive.
The actor Jack O’Connell, who portrays Fielder-Civil in Back to Black, reached out to him while preparing for the role. O’Connell expressed sympathy for Fielder-Civil, calling him “misunderstood” and noting that the real man is far removed from the negative tabloid portrayal.
Blake’s Current Life and Family
Blake Fielder-Civil has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, focusing on rebuilding his life. He is a father to two children, a son named Jack and a daughter named Lola, whom he shares with his ex-partner, Sarah Aspin. The children were born in 2011 and 2013, respectively, shortly after Winehouse’s death.
Though he now lives a more private life, Fielder-Civil did make an appearance on Good Morning Britain in April 2024 to discuss the Back to Black biopic. He admitted that revisiting the relationship through the film was therapeutic in some ways, although he found parts difficult to watch. He has also expressed a desire to have a conversation with Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, to clear the air. Fielder-Civil stated, “As sad as it may be, Mitch is a father, I’m a father. I understand his position on me, I really do, but I hope that he would see that there was genuinely love there.”
Did Blake Attend Amy Winehouse’s Funeral?
Blake Fielder-Civil did not attend Amy Winehouse’s funeral in 2011. At the time of her death, he was incarcerated for drug possession and other legal issues. Despite his absence from the public farewell, he has continued to speak about his deep connection with Winehouse and his enduring guilt over how their relationship unfolded. He has repeatedly emphasized that while he is often blamed for her addiction, the reality of their relationship was far more nuanced.
Conclusion
Blake Fielder-Civil’s life has been irrevocably shaped by his relationship with Amy Winehouse. The passion, chaos, and eventual tragedy of their time together have left an indelible mark on both his personal life and public image. Today, he continues to grapple with the legacy of their relationship, acknowledging his role in Winehouse’s struggles while also trying to move forward with his own life.
The release of Back to Black has once again brought Fielder-Civil into the public eye, offering a new perspective on a man who, for many, remains a key figure in the story of Amy Winehouse’s rise and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Blake Fielder-Civil introduce Amy Winehouse to drugs?
While Blake Fielder-Civil has been widely blamed for introducing Amy Winehouse to hard drugs, he has stated that their drug use was more complicated. He claims they only used drugs together for a short period of their marriage, and that Winehouse made her own choices.
2. What is Blake Fielder-Civil doing now?
As of 2024, Blake Fielder-Civil has been clean for several years and is focused on his private life. He is the father of two children and has expressed his desire to move past the darker chapters of his life.
3. Was Blake Fielder-Civil involved in the Back to Black biopic?
Blake Fielder-Civil did not directly participate in the making of the Back to Black biopic, but actor Jack O’Connell, who portrays him in the film, reached out to him for insight into his character. Fielder-Civil was open to helping O’Connell prepare for the role.
4. Why did Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil divorce?
Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil divorced in 2009 after two years of marriage, which was marred by addiction, infidelity, and personal struggles. Their relationship became unsustainable due to these issues.
5. Did Blake Fielder-Civil attend Amy Winehouse’s funeral?
No, Blake Fielder-Civil did not attend Amy Winehouse’s funeral because he was incarcerated at the time. However, he held a small ceremony in prison to honor her memory.