Biggest music news May 2018

By Mariel Turner 8:17am PDT, May 29, 2018

May 2018 was a wild month for music news and Wonderwall.com is recapping it all, starting with Kanye West's antics. The rapper faced intense backlash after he appeared on TMZ Live on May 1 and said that slavery was "a choice." TMZ producer Van Lathan fired back after Kanye made the inflammatory comments and the exchange went viral. Kanye also shared during the interview that he had undergone liposuction to avoid being called fat and then got hooked on opioid painkillers. The incident occurred nearly one week after Kanye shared images of himself wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat and tweeted his support for his "brother," President Donald Trump. Keep reading to see what other music news you might have missed in May!

Whitney Houston was molested by a family member, claims Cannes documentary

Fans were shocked to hear that Whitney Houston was allegedly molested by cousin Dee Dee Warwick. A documentary that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, "Whitney," claims that Dee Dee, who died in 2008, sexually abused the late R&B icon when she was young. Whitney's half-brother, Gary Garland-Houston, also said he had been molested by a female family member. Both Gary and Whitney's longtime assistant, Mary Jones, discuss the alleged abuse in the film, which will hit theaters this summer.

Scott Hutchison's body found

Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison was found dead on May 11, two days after he was reported missing. Police confirmed the terrible news after discovering his body at Port Edgar in Scotland on the banks of the Firth of Forth. Scott's family issued a statement, sharing that he "was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew." The singer had long been open about his struggle with depression.

Mac Miller arrested for DUI after car crash

Mac Miller was arrested on May 17 for driving under the influence after a hit-and-run crash. The rapper allegedly hit a utility pole, knocking it down and causing the vehicle's air bags to deploy, before he fled the scene in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. Mac's blood alcohol content was reportedly 0.15 when cops arrested him at his home. (The limit in California is 0.08.)

2018 Billboard Music Awards big winners

Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton and Imagine Dragons were among the night's big winners at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 20. Kelly Clarkson was well-received as the evening's host, and Janet Jackson was presented with this year's coveted Icon award at the annual ceremony.

Katy Perry and Taylor Swift end feud

Katy Perry and Taylor Swift ended their years-long feud on May 8 when Katy sent Taylor a literal olive branch with a handwritten note. The "Shake It Off" singer said she was touched by Katy's sweet gesture in a video clip of the gift she shared on her Instagram Story. "This means so much to me," Taylor said.

JAY-Z issued investigative subpoena by SEC

JAY-Z had to explain why he should't have to testify in an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. A federal judge in New York ordered him to appear in court with an explanation on May 3 after he was issued an investigative subpoena. The nature of the probe is under seal but Jay famously has ties to several businesses including the streaming service Tidal, a sports management company, liquor and clothing brands, his music and more.

Photos of Kurt Cobain's death scene will not be released

The Washington State Court of Appeals decided on May 15 that photos of Kurt Cobain's death scene will not be released to the public. After reading filed testimony from Kurt's widow, Courtney Love, and daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, a judge ruled that the photos are exempt from Washington's Public Records Act and if made public would "violate the Cobain family's due process rights under the 14th Amendment."

Idris Elba DJs royal wedding reception

Idris Elba played a special part in Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's royal wedding on May 19: He was the DJ! The "Thor" actor reportedly spun music at the couple's evening reception at Frogmore House where 200 attendees celebrated with the newlyweds.

Madonna delivers surprise Met Gala performance

Madonna kept the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme going at the 2018 Met Gala with a surprise performance on May 7. The music icon performed her hit song "Like A Prayer" and covered Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" with back-up dancers dressed in hooded monk robes.

R. Kelly accusers speak out

Two women who have accused R. Kelly of sexual abuse spoke about their experience on the "Today" show on May 8. Kitti Jones and Asante McGee claimed that the "Ignition" singer wanted to be called "Daddy" at all times and made the women ask for permission to use the bathroom. They also claimed the music star only let them eat approved foods.

Rapper T.I. arrested after altercation outside his gated community

T.I. is facing simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness charges after he was arrested on May 16 outside of his gated community. The Atlanta rapper forgot his key and got into an alleged altercation with a security guard when he wasn't let inside.

Lindsay Buckingham adresses Fleetwood Mac firing

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsay Buckingham addressed his dismissal from the band for the first time on May 12. "It's been an interesting time on a lot of levels," he said at a California fundraiser for Democratic congressional candidate Mike Levin. "For me, personally, probably some of you know that for the last three months I have sadly taken leave of my band of 43 years, Fleetwood Mac. This was not something that was really my doing or my choice."

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason gets chart boost after royal wedding performance

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason received global praise after performing at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19. His album, "Inspiration" — Britain's best selling classical album of 2018 — also got a chart boost. The 19-year-old music star, who once appeared on "Britain's Got Talent" with his musician siblings, performed for 600 guests at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle during the ceremony and described the experience as "just really amazing."

Childish Gambino drops controversial new music video

Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) caused quite a stir when he dropped a new music video for his song "This Is America" on May 6 — the same night he performed the track on "Saturday Night Live." The powerful visuals sparked commentary about gun violence, pop culture and American society.

Taylor Swift granted restraining order against alleged stalker

A judge approved a temporary restraining order against a knife-wielding man who was discovered on Taylor Swift's property. Julius Sandrock, 38, arrived at the singer's Los Angeles home with multiple masks, a knife, rope and ammunition in his car, according to court paperwork obtained by TheWrap on May 17. He told police that "he recently went through a divorce and the last time he felt happiness was when he listened to Taylor Swift's last album, 'Bad Reputation' [sic]."