George Michael tells Elton: Dont listen to 'gay grapevine'

Singer George Michael has issued a stinging reply to uncomplimentary remarks made by Elton John, which he said were garnered from gossip on the "gay grapevine".

In a very public spat between two of Britain's best known and successful gay artists, Michael published a letter in a celebrity magazine released today in which he hit back at John's recent criticism of his private life.

In an interview with Heat magazine last month, 57-year-old John said Michael appeared to be in a "strange place", wasting his talent by staying at home and shunning the limelight.

He also described as "a bit disappointing" Michael's album "Patience", which topped the charts this year.

"Elton John knows very little about George Michael, and that's a fact," Michael retorted in the letter.

"Sadly, I was always aware that Elton's circle of friends was the busiest rumour mill in town and that respect for my privacy was not exactly guaranteed.

"He knows that I don't like to tour, that I smoke too much pot and that my albums still have a habit of going to Number One. In other words, he knows as much as most of my fans do."

Michael, 41, said he had "rarely been as happy", thanks to his partner Kenny and the support of his fans.

John is renowned for outbursts about fellow stars. In October, he accused Madonna of "lip-synching".

- REUTERS