Family thanks after pop star’s private funeral

The family of singerGeorge Michael has thanked fans for their messages of love and support after laying him to rest during a private ceremony.

A statement shared by the former Wham! star’s publicist yesterday read: “We can confirm the funeral of the singer George Michael took place today. Family and close friends gathered for the small, private ceremony to say goodbye to their beloved son, brother and friend.

“GeorgeMichael’s family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support.”

Michael died in December last year at the ageof 53. His body was found by his former partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, at his home in Goring- on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.

Mr Fawaz has faced a wave of criticism since Michael’s death, including rumours that he had been banned from attending his former lover’s funeral. He recently denied the reports.

Special tributes have been made to the Careless Whisper singer throughout this year’s awards season.

His former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley made an emotional speech at the Brits in February, describing Michael as a “supernova”, saying his death “felt like the sky had fallen in”.

On the night Fawaz tweeted: “Anyone (who) doubtedmy love to George will be apologising very soon. It’s a fact.”

News of the funeral encouraged a fresh outpouring of tributes over social media. A message posted by fan Toby Bourke read: “His legacy will be the millions of hearts across the globe who have at some stage filled with joy at the sound of his voice. That’s some legacy to leave.”

Another fan responded: “@GeorgeMichael beautiful. I’m still not sure how to live in a world without him.”