Writing in 2019, Crace described his "cold turkey" rehabilitation from heroin addiction 32 years previously.[6][7]
In July 2019 The Guardian retracted statements by Crace implying that journalist Isabel Oakeshott had obtained confidential files by sleeping with Nigel Farage and Arron Banks. His article included the claim that Oakeshott only got confidential emails if Farage and Banks "slips it to her". Following the threat of legal action by Oakeshott, the text was amended to: "leave it conveniently tucked under her pillow". This second revision was then removed, with the final version stating: "if he or Arron Banks leave it conveniently to one side for her". Oakeshott stated: "It gives me great pleasure to teach John Crace and The Guardian a little lesson about casually slurring women whose politics they dislike".[8]
On 11 March 2024, Crace posted on his X/Twitter account that he had suffered a heart attack and was receiving treatment in St George's Hospital, London.
John Crace
@JohnJCrace
Personal News. I had a heart attack at the gym on Friday night. Been in hospital ever since. Not knowing what's wrong terrifying. Today had angiogram and dodgy artery now mended. Thank you so much to all the staff at St George's. You could not have cared more.