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Anselmo Feleppa: George Michael's Untold Love Story & Grief

by Vivianne Grimes May 06 2025

Anselmo Feleppa: George Michael's Untold Love Story & Grief

Was the man who captured George Michael's heart a mystery wrapped in fabric and a Brazilian accent? Anselmo Feleppa, a name whispered with both reverence and sorrow, remains a poignant figure in the late singer's life, a testament to a love lost too soon, and a profound influence that shaped Michael's art and outlook.

The narrative surrounding Anselmo Feleppa is one of both passionate romance and tragic brevity. Their connection began in 1991, during a Rock in Rio performance, where the fashion designer caught the eye of the global superstar. This initial spark ignited a profound love, one that would leave an indelible mark on George Michael, and subsequently, on the world through the singer's music.

Category Details
Full Name Anselmo Feleppa
Nationality Brazilian
Profession Fashion Designer
Known For Being the partner of George Michael; His impact on Michael's creative work.
Relationship with George Michael Began in 1991; Lasted until his death in 1993.
Cause of Death AIDS-related illness
Impact on George Michael Inspired the album "Older" and the song "Jesus to a Child"; Profoundly affected Michael's personal life and artistic expression.
Key Dates
  • 1991: Met George Michael at Rock in Rio.
  • March 1993: Died at age 36.
Legacy Remembered as a significant love of George Michael's life; Memorialized in Michael's work.
Reference The Guardian - George Michael's Christmas: love, life and loss

The meeting, a pivotal moment in both their lives, occurred at a concert in Rio de Janeiro. For George Michael, this encounter sparked a transformation, an unveiling of his true self that would permeate his music and persona. For Anselmo, it meant entering a world of extraordinary experiences, albeit one shrouded in the intense scrutiny of the public eye.

While the exact details of their initial meeting remain somewhat obscured, the narrative typically begins with George Michael spotting Anselmo in the crowd at the Rock in Rio performance. Sources suggest that Anselmo, a Brazilian fashion designer, was "plucked out of the crowd" by Michael. The connection was instant. The two men quickly forged a deep bond, deciding to build a life together, a sentiment that was reflected in the private moments they shared.

Their relationship unfolded primarily away from the glaring public spotlight. Feleppa, known for his preference for privacy, kept many details of his personal life out of the public domain, especially during his relationship with Michael. Despite the fame that came with being involved with a global superstar, he maintained a level of discretion that both protected their relationship and added to the mystique surrounding their bond.

The year 1991 marked the beginning of a transformative period for George Michael. He had already achieved global fame as a solo artist, but the introduction of Anselmo into his life signaled a shift, a deepening of his emotional landscape. It was the same year that Michael began his first serious relationship, setting the stage for a more open exploration of his personal life, something that had been missing from his existence.

As their relationship blossomed, so too did Michael's artistic expression. The impact of Anselmo on Michael's life wasn't just emotional; it was also profoundly creative. Their relationship served as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping the music that followed, in particular, the critically acclaimed album "Older," released in 1996. This album is often interpreted as a tribute to Anselmo, a musical exploration of grief, love, and remembrance.

The album "Older" is replete with songs that reflect Michael's deep affection for Feleppa and his heartbreak over the loss. The single "Jesus to a Child" is particularly notable, a heartfelt ballad dedicated to Anselmo. George Michael consistently dedicated this song to Anselmo before performing it live, demonstrating the lasting impact of his love and grief. The song's poignant lyrics and Michael's emotional delivery resonated deeply with listeners, making it a powerful expression of bereavement.

Their time together, though tragically short, was marked by a deep and abiding love. However, their idyllic existence was abruptly shattered when Anselmo fell ill. In March 1993, just two years after their initial meeting, Anselmo died at the age of 36 due to an AIDS-related illness. The news was delivered to George Michael through a tearful phone call, a devastating moment that would forever alter the course of his life.

The circumstances surrounding Anselmo's death were kept largely private. Michael did not see him in the hospital, receiving the devastating news remotely. This distance, whether by choice or circumstance, added to the pain and complexity of the situation, intensifying the singer's grief. The loss left George Michael devastated and in deep mourning for a prolonged period of time.

The impact of Anselmo's death extended beyond the personal. The loss created a chain of events that would go on to shape George Michael's later years, particularly his struggle with his mental health and his relationship with substance abuse. The singer, grappling with the pain of losing his lover, sought solace in various ways, reflecting the depth of his sorrow.

The death of Anselmo occurred at a time when AIDS was still widely stigmatized. Despite the progress of modern medicine and the decrease in stigmatization in modern times, the social landscape during this period added an additional layer of complexity to the mourning process. It is speculated that this was the reason Michael did not visit Anselmo in the hospital.

The ensuing years were marked by periods of intense grief. As reported by various sources, including Hello! Magazine, George Michael found Christmas to be a particularly difficult time due to the memory of Anselmo, a painful echo that resonated long after his passing. This time of year was a constant reminder of the loss, an annual trial of his emotional endurance.

Furthermore, the loss was compounded by the decline of his mother, Lesley Angold Panayiotou, who received a terminal cancer diagnosis in 1996. The singer was dealing with the death of his partner while also facing the impending loss of his mother. The close proximity of these two events in his life created a perfect storm of grief, impacting his mental health and deepening the sense of loss. He said he felt "picked on by god" after his anselmo feleppa was diagnosed with aids and his mother with cancer.

In his biography, Andros Georgiou, Michael's close friend and one of the first people he confided in about his sexuality, recalls the moment he informed the singer of Anselmo's passing. Georgiou's account highlights the depth of George Michael's devastation, emphasizing the profound impact Anselmo had on his life. The task of delivering such devastating news only underscored the magnitude of the loss.

The effect of Anselmo's passing rippled through all aspects of George Michael's life, changing the course of his personal and professional journey. The singer became more guarded, and even though he found love again, the shadow of his first great love remained.

In the wake of Anselmo's passing, Michael channeled his grief into his music, transforming sorrow into art. His dedication of "Jesus to a Child" to Feleppa underscored the magnitude of his emotions and helped his fans to understand the depths of his loss. This was not merely a song; it was a heartfelt tribute, a love letter, and a mournful elegy all in one.

George Michael himself often reflected on the impact of Anselmo on his life. Speaking in 2008, he acknowledged the immense loss, but also expressed gratitude for the time they had together. He frequently said that Anselmo was the first person he ever loved, highlighting the enduring importance of their connection.

George Michael's love for Anselmo was a defining chapter in his life. It's a story of love and loss, of passion and pain, and ultimately, of the enduring power of human connection. The relationship, brief yet impactful, profoundly influenced the singers artistic expression. The album "Older" stands as a testament to the deep affection and abiding grief that followed the loss of Anselmo, and will continue to move listeners for years to come.

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