A close associate of Amy Winehouse pleaded with individuals to prevent the singer from taking the stage. The renowned musician’s last major performance took place in Belgrade, Serbia, in June 2011, mere weeks before her untimely passing.
Amy, a five-time Grammy Award recipient, tragically passed away at the age of 27 on July 23, 2011, in her Camden residence. An official investigation determined that Winehouse succumbed to accidental alcohol poisoning. Her demise was classified as a “misadventure” following a period of abstaining from alcohol prior to her passing.
During her final headline show, Amy, visibly inebriated, was jeered off the stage by the audience. This distressing moment was particularly challenging for Naomi Parry, a close friend and stylist of Amy. Recently, Amy’s father, Mitch, lost a legal dispute against Naomi and their mutual friend Catriona Gourlay. Mitch accused them of covertly auctioning off items, including gifts from Amy.
In a rare interview, Naomi expressed her anguish over Amy’s performance in Belgrade. She recounted being the sole individual advocating against Amy’s stage appearance, describing it as an excruciating and inhumane experience. Naomi highlighted this event as the catalyst for Amy’s subsequent binge that led to her demise.
Naomi designed 12 unique dresses for the tour, one of which was a bamboo-print halterneck dress worn during the Belgrade concert. Following Amy’s passing, Naomi endeavored to pay tribute to the talented vocalist by curating exhibitions that celebrated not only her music but also her distinctive style.
Amy’s fashion choices evolved over time, ranging from elegant fitted dresses to casual attire like skinny jeans, polo shirts, and ballet flats. However, the focus of the legal dispute centered on the dresses and other possessions associated with the late singer. In a recent ruling, Judge Sarah Clarke KC supported Naomi and Catriona, dismissing Mitch’s claims of theft and concealed profits from auctions between 2021 and 2023.
Judge Clarke acknowledged Mitch’s sensitivity towards safeguarding Amy’s memory and the family’s financial interests. Naomi chose to auction several items but retained a “small collection” that she would never sell, citing emotional distress as the reason for selling Amy’s tour dresses.
Naomi disclosed that Mitch offered her $250,000 to settle the financial dispute. She described his behavior as aggressive and lacking in kindness, even towards Amy in her struggles with alcoholism. The judge criticized Mitch as an “unreliable witness” prone to aggressive reactions.
Despite the setback in Serbia, Amy joined her goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, onstage at Camden’s Roundhouse just days before her demise. Following the recent court ruling, Naomi expressed relief on social media, emphasizing the vindication of her reputation and the end of baseless allegations.
Naomi affirmed her commitment to rebuilding her life and career while protecting her association with Amy, reflecting on the toll of defending against unsubstantiated claims. She expressed gratitude to her legal team, witnesses, family, friends, and Amy’s fans for their unwavering support and belief in the truth.
Mitch Winehouse has been contacted for a response.