Renowned singer Billy Joel has addressed persistent speculation about his involvement in multiple car accidents, particularly those related to driving under the influence (DUI). In his recent HBO documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” Joel sets the record straight on the tabloid rumors.
Joel, 76, recalls two notable incidents: a 2002 crash in East Hampton and a 2003 incident in Sag Harbor where he was airlifted to the hospital after crashing into a tree. A year later, he crashed into a house on Long Island.
While his car accidents have been linked to road conditions and mental health issues, including depression, Joel asserts that he has never received a DUI citation. He recalls being given an ultimatum by his then-wife Katie Lee in 2005, leading him to attend rehab at the Betty Ford Center.
In interviews with The New York Times Magazine in 2013, Joel reiterated his denial of having ever been arrested for DUI, citing police records as evidence. “I went to rehab in ’05 because, when I was with Katie, she said, ‘You’re drinking way too much,'” he said. Joel’s HBO documentary offers a candid look at the singer’s life and his efforts to clear up misconceptions about his personal struggles.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/29/entertainment/billy-joel-rumors-multiple-duis