Amy Winehouse’s Brother Accuses Their Father of “Bad Taste” Auction Decisions as High Court Battle Exposes Deep Family Rift
A bitter family divide over Amy Winehouse’s legacy erupted publicly this week as her brother, Alex Winehouse, told the High Court that their father’s decisions surrounding the sale of the late singer’s personal belongings were “in bad taste” — and that Mitch Winehouse had been “less than candid” about the scale of the auctions.
The comments mark the strongest criticism yet from within the Winehouse family as the dispute intensifies around what should, and should not, be sold from the late star’s estate.
“He Said One Thing and Did Another” — Alex Breaks His Silence
Alex, 46, revealed that he had objected to the 2021 and 2023 auctions after Mitch assured him only “four or five items” would be sold. Instead, more than 650 pieces of Amy’s wardrobe, handwritten notes, accessories, and personal effects were sent to auction houses in the U.S.
When asked directly whether Mitch had misrepresented the scale of the sale, Alex paused before replying:
“Yes — I suppose he is saying one thing and doing another. But ultimately, it’s his stuff. If they want to sell it, they can. There’s nothing I can do.”
The restrained tone couldn’t hide the underlying tension.
Mitch Winehouse Launches £730,000 Lawsuit
While Alex voiced personal discomfort, Mitch has taken a legally aggressive stance — suing two of Amy’s closest friends, her long-time stylist Naomi Parry and former flatmate Catriona Gourlay.
He alleges the pair “deliberately concealed” plans to auction around 155 items and had no right to profit from belongings he believes were part of Amy’s estate.
He is seeking £730,000 in damages.
Both women deny all wrongdoing, insisting that many of the items belonged to them originally, were loaned to Amy during tours, or were gifts — not estate property.
The Items at the Center of the Storm
Among the pieces sold were some of the most emotionally and historically significant objects associated with Amy’s life — including:
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A bloodstained pair of ballet pumps worn during a fight with Blake Fielder-Civil
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A bamboo halter dress from her final performance in Belgrade, sold by Parry for £182,000
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Notes, early lyrics, birthday cards, and personal mementos
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Items previously displayed in international exhibits before hitting the auction block
The halter dress in particular is fiercely contested. Naomi Parry told the court Mitch had simply mistaken it for something he believed belonged to him:
“His mind changes. He remembers things and then forgets them.”
The Foundation Steps In — and Retrieves Items Too Personal to Sell
Jane Winehouse, Mitch’s ex-wife and a lead trustee of the Amy Winehouse Foundation, intervened to prevent deeply personal objects — including bras, journals, VHS tapes, and self-help books — from entering the auction circuit.
Her belief: Amy never intended private items of that nature to be sold to strangers.
Celebrities Submit Statements — and Support Amy’s Friends
Statements from Kelly Osbourne and Sadie Frost backed Naomi and Catriona, confirming that Amy regularly gifted clothing and memorabilia to close friends, often spontaneously.
This testimony cuts directly into Mitch’s claim that the items must belong to the estate.
A Family Legacy Under Strain
Behind the legal jargon and courtroom exchanges sits a more painful truth: a family still fractured by grief, now wrestling with the question of how Amy’s memory — and possessions — should be preserved.
The dispute has opened wounds that have never fully healed since Amy’s death in 2011.
And with both sides presenting starkly different interpretations of Amy’s wishes, the case is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged estate battles the music world has seen in years.
The trial continues — and the rift deepens.
