Paul Simon was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct in April 2014, and was later charged with disorderly conduct domestic violence. The charges were a result of a 911 hang-up call and an altercation with his wife Edie Brickell. He pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct charges.

Paul Simon signed petitions demanding freedom for Palestinian Arab terrorists and displayed a soft spot for killers, sparking controversy and criticism, although there is no indication of his involvement beyond signing the petitions.