Lennon Biography Fiction, Says Ono (Press, 16 September 1988)

On 16 September 1988, Yoko Ono publicly denounced a controversial biography about her late husband, John Lennon, titled "The Lives of John Lennon," written by Albert Goldman. In a nationally broadcast radio show, Ono described the book as “totally fiction,” stating that it misrepresented both her and Lennon, portraying them in a negative light. The 719-page biography presents Lennon as an anorexic, bisexual, drug-addicted individual who wished to leave his wife, while depicting Ono as a gold-digger who used heroin until Lennon's death and engaged in multiple affairs during their marriage. Goldman also alleged that Ono was responsible for Paul McCartney’s 1980 marijuana arrest in Japan, and suggested that both Lennon and Ono were eager for a divorce. In response, Ono refuted Goldman’s claims through recorded interviews with Lennon’s friends and former associates, arguing that the book relied on unreliable sources and misquotes, aiming to strip both her and Lennon of their dignity. The broadcast, recorded on 28 August at the Dakota apartments where Ono continues to reside, was released to coincide with the book's national publication. During the show, Ono’s sons, Julian and Sean, also voiced their discontent, with Julian calling the book “sickening,” refuting Goldman’s portrayal of Lennon as a terrifying father. Ono directly countered various allegations made in the biography, denying claims about Lennon’s sexuality, advocating drug use while living with their son, and asserting he had become a recluse similar to Howard Hughes. While she acknowledged having a heroin problem in the late 1970s, Ono rejected Goldman’s claim that she had an exorbitantly high drug habit. The publication has sparked outrage from many of Lennon and Ono's friends, including McCartney, who denied one particular anecdote in the book and urged a boycott against it. Goldman, known for previously controversial biographies of figures like Lenny Bruce and Elvis Presley, claimed to have conducted over 1,200 interviews for this work. The backlash highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Lennon’s legacy and the personal lives of those connected to him.

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