Billy Joel clarifies his history of DUI charges
Billy Joel Clears Up Persistent DUI Rumors in HBO Documentary
Legendary musician Billy Joel, who is owned by CNN's parent company HBO, has addressed persistent rumors about DUIs in his career in a recent documentary.
In the 2025 HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, Joel directly addresses the rumors about DUIs, stating, "I never had a DUI. So f--- you" to those spreading the myth. He has emphasized that while he struggled with substance abuse issues in his life, alcohol was not a factor in his vehicle accidents.
Joel's car accidents have been a topic of speculation for many years. In the early 2000s, he was involved in several accidents in 2002, 2003, and 2004. However, Joel has maintained that these accidents were not due to alcohol intoxication but rather mental health struggles following traumatic events like the September 11 attacks and a breakup.
One of Joel's most notable accidents occurred in East Hampton, New York in 2002, where he was airlifted to the hospital. Another accident occurred in Sag Harbor, New York less than a year later. Joel's rehab at the Betty Ford Center in 2005 was a result of an "ultimatum" by his then-wife, Katie Lee.
In a 2013 interview with the New York Times Magazine, Joel discussed his rehab and again denied ever having a DUI. He explained that the accidents were related to road conditions and his depressive mental state.
In summary, Billy Joel has never been arrested or charged with a DUI, despite persistent rumors to the contrary. His car accidents were related to mental health struggles, not alcohol intoxication. Joel's HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" seeks to clear up speculation about his alleged DUI arrests.
[1] Billy Joel: And So It Goes (HBO documentary) [2] New York Times Magazine interview (2013) [3] East Hampton Star [4] Sag Harbor Express
- In a effort to dispel long-standing rumors, Billy Joel's HBO documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," delves into the truth about his alleged DUI arrests, clarifying that they were baseless.
- Mental health and road conditions, rather than substance abuse or celebrity lifestyle, were the key factors behind Billy Joel's car accidents, as detailed in his 2013 interview with the New York Times Magazine.
- The entertainment world may be captivated by the lives of celebrities, but the HBO documentary sheds light on the profound impact of science, health-and-wellness, and mental health on the life of Billy Joel, a legendary musician.
