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After FBI files were released a few years back about the beloved Whitney Houston; along with surprising claims of her former bodyguard, Kevin Ammons…rumors began swirling about an alleged lesbian relationship between Whitney Houston and her best friend, Robyn Crawford. When Whitney passed away in 2012, details of FBI investigation into an extortion plot against Whitney were made public…and they are jaw-dropping.

The highly-redacted FBI files — along with Ammons’s and author, Ian Helperin’s — claims give insight into the type of stress that Whitney faced on the daily…a possible love-life she had to keep hidden, a bodyguard who spread her personal business to the public, extortion attempts, the heavy demands of being a superstar, etc. That’s enough to drive any person over the edge, just sayin.’

FORMER BODYGUARD CLAIMS HOUSTON WAS EXTORTED OVER ALLEGED LESBIAN AFFAIR

Both Whitney’s ex-bodyguard-turned author, Kevin Ammons (author of “Good Girl, Bad Girl), and author, Ian Helperin, claim that Houston was extorted so that details about her alleged lesbian affair with her best friend, Robyn Crawford, wouldn’t surface. According to Helperin’s book, “Whitney Houston & Bobbi Kristina: The Deadly Price of Fame,” on the eve of “The Bodyguard” movie premiere in 1992, a Chicago lawyer tried to extort Whitney for $250,000. The lawyer allegedly told an FBI agent that the details included “knowledge of intimate details regarding Whitney Houston’s romantic relationships and will go public with the information.” But Ammons claims Whitney’s dad then tried to do the unthinkable.

EX-BODYGUARD’S SHOCKING CLAIM ABOUT WHITNEY’S DAD

Kevin Ammons also made claims in his book that Whitney’s father, John Houston, tried to hire him to do harm to Robyn Crawford because he felt that she was causing too many problems for Whitney and their family. According to Helperin, Ammons also told him that John Houston thought Crawford would go public with her alleged relationship with Whitney:

“We’ve got to do something about that motherf–ing b—h [Robyn Crawford]. She’s ruining my family and driving everybody nuts. She’s lost her grip on reality. I’ll pay you $6,000 if you put the fear of God in her,” Ammons quoted John Houston as saying.

Ammons says he turned down John’s offer, but was instructed by John to “keep an eye” on her [Robin Crawford].” There’s one other claim that was made…

FBI FILES SHOW SOMEONE DEMANDED A LOT OF $$$ FROM WHITNEY

Below is a redacted portion of the FBI files, which detail the early ’90s extortion attempt on Whitney Houston:

“[Redacted] said [Redacted] told him that [Redacted] has knowledge of intimate details regarding Whitney Houston’s romantic relationships, and will go public with the information unless [Redacted] is paid $250,000. [Redacted] told [Redacted] client will sign a confidentiality agreement if [Redacted] is paid the $250,000.”

The FBI also included in Whitney’s file, an Executed Confidentiality Agreement which possibly means Whitney may have paid the money and the extortion plot was successful.

ROBYN CRAWFORD ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO STOP WEDDING, WHITNEY BOUGHT HER A PORSCHE

Whitney’s ex-bodyguard, Ammons, also claimed Robyn Crawford was furious about Whitney marrying Bobby Brown, claiming Robyn even tried to stop the wedding, which was also portrayed in the “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” biopic. According to Ammons, on Whitney and Bobby’s wedding day, Whitney surprised Robyn with a brand new Porsche so that Robyn (her maid of honor) would behave at the wedding.

Overall, we tip our hat to the late, great Whitney Houston, because through the incredible amount of pressures she was faced with she continued to fight through it, holding her head up high. Sometimes even when we fight a good fight, we can still come up short. Whitney proved that she was a warrior, regardless of her struggles. May Whitney and her beloved daughter she shared with Bobby – Bobbi Kristina Brown – continue to rest peacefully.
Source1, Source2, Source3

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“The Cosby Show” clearly holds a special place in TV history, revolutionizing the sitcom genre and captivating audiences with its portrayal of the Huxtable family. But did you know that our beloved Whitney Houston was almost part of the iconic show’s cast? That’s right, ‘Ms. I’m Every Woman’ was this close to playing the role of a “Huxtable” child. However, she ultimately turned down the opportunity.

In an interview with “Cosby Show” director, Jay Sandrich, it was revealed that Houston was on the verge of snagging the role of “Sondra Huxtable,” and Whitney supposedly signed a contract for it initially. However, during a meeting with the cast, Jay said Whitney confessed that she couldn’t commit to the show because she wanted to pursue a career as a singer at that time. She expressed her desire to tour and couldn’t see herself being a part of every episode. Jay also vividly recalled Whitney saying, “Well, I want to be a singer. I can’t be in every show. I have to be able to tour.”

Jay said he tried to convince Whitney that being on a successful TV show would likely help boost her singing career at that time, but she still refused. It was a difficult decision for Houston, but she knew deep down that her heart belonged to music. “Whitney Houston,” he said. “She knew.”

As fate would have it, the role of Sondra Huxtable ultimately went to Sabrina Le Beauf, who brilliantly portrayed the “Sondra Huxtable” character from 1984 to 1992. During this same period, Houston’s music career reached its peak, with Grammy-winning success and widespread recognition. Soon afterward, Whitney felt solid enough within her career to venture into acting in various films.

In a 1993 interview with Rolling Stone, Houston admitted her initial apprehension about making the jump to acting. She feared that people would criticize her before giving her a fair chance as an actor. And although Whitney may not have been the greatest actress of all time, she was still able to shut down her critics with her performances in “Waiting To Exhale,” “The Bodyguard,” and more.

Even though Whitney didn’t become a “Cosby” kid, her decision to prioritize her passion for music led her to become an unforgettable music icon. The world will always remember her powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and the enduring impact she made as an artist. Whitney Houston, that’s why WE will always love you queen!

Source

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Whitney Houston’s performance in the iconic movie “The Bodyguard” is etched in pop culture history. However, few may know that the film almost had a different lead actress. Another legendary singer, alongside her then-Caucasian actor-boyfriend, was initially considered for the role before Whitney came in the picture.

Who Was Supposed To Star In “The Bodyguard” Before Whitney

Back in the ’70s, Lawrence Kasdan and John Boorman envisioned a romantic drama, titled “The Bodyguard.”

In 1978, a rough draft of the script found its way to actor, Ryan O’Neal. He was approached to play the lead and had someone special in mind as his co-star—Diana Ross, with whom he said he was romantically involved at the time. Yep, Diana and Ryan were supposedly a thing like that Billy Paul “Mrs. Jones” song.

However, Ross was hesitant about the project. According to J. Randy Taraborrelli’s book, “Diana Ross: A Biography,” she disliked elements of the movie, including a nude scene and the title. Despite O’Neal’s efforts to persuade her, Ross declined the opportunity in August 1979, ultimately straining their relationship.

Why Whitney Hesitated

Fast forward to years later when “The Bodyguard” was given a second chance. Whitney Houston was initially hesitant to take on the role of “Rachel Marron.” Concerns about the character and her acting abilities made her apprehensive. It took months of persuasion from co-star, Kevin Costner, to convince Whitney that she would not be alone in this endeavor. Finally, Houston agreed, putting her faith in Costner’s promise to support her every step of the way.

The Box Office Triumph

Following its release in 1992, “The Bodyguard” killed it at the box office, amassing around $400 million worldwide. Houston’s powerful vocals captivated audiences, skyrocketing the film’s soundtrack to chart-topping success and solidifying her status as an icon. The movie’s achievements extended beyond the box office, garnering numerous accolades, including Grammy and Billboard awards.

It All Worked Out In The End

“The Bodyguard” took a winding path before becoming the cinematic sensation we know today. Diana Ross’s early rejection opened the door for Whitney Houston to shine, adding another remarkable chapter to her already outstanding career. Reflecting on the film’s success reminds us that sometimes unexpected turns bring forth unforgettable moments. As we cherish Whitney Houston’s legacy, we can only imagine the different story that may have unfolded had Diana Ross taken on the role.

Source

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The beloved Whitney Houston passed away from an overdose on February 12, 2012. Ever since then, there have been several confirmations – from those close to her – that she had a long battle with drugs. We’ve seen her ex-hubby, Bobby Brown, painfully discuss it publicly. We watched in sadness as Whitney’s brother, Michael Houston, tearfully confessed to their mother, Cissy Houston, (during an Oprah Winfrey interview) that it was not Bobby who introduced Whitney to drugs, it was HE who did so, long before she’d met Bobby.

In more recent years, Whitney’s former bodyguard — who also inspired her film, The Bodyguard –– Welshman David Roberts,  is spoke out about what he tried to warn the Houston family about, and why he ultimately got fired. He was Whitney’s bodyguard for seven and a half years.

In an interview with Radio Times, Roberts explained the incident he was fired for, after trying to save Whitney from her reported drug addiction. He also believes that he felt Bobby was too much of an enabler; and was jealous of Whitney’s career. He also made bold claims said about the death of their beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina. See what else Roberts revealed below…

Roberts On Whitney’s Fatal Overdose

Welshman David Roberts: “There were a lot of people who were aware of the inevitable outcome of what would happen if they didn’t take action and, as we know, they took no action. And the result was fatal.”

Bodyguard Claims Bobby B. Was A “Burden”

W.D. Roberts: “We brought this man [Brown] out on tour and it became an additional burden. Every two days there was a crate of Heineken and a bottle of Crown Royal, and every third day we were ill. […] If that coincided with a show, too bad, the show didn’t go on. This man could not come up to her level so she went down to his.”

Whitney’s Bodyguard Reveals Incident That He Ultimately Got Him Fired

Roberts also stated that he never actually saw Whitney do drugs, but that he would just see the after-affects of them in her behavioral changes…

W.D. Roberts: “In seven and a half years, I never ever saw Ms. Houston take any drug other than bottle of Heineken or a Newport cigarette.”

During a performance for the niece of the Sultan of Brunei, Roberts says that’s when he really became aware of how bad the addiction was:

“She [Whitney] went on stage and couldn’t sing a word, sing a note. Not one. She talked her way through an hour and a half of total and utter embarrassment,” said Roberts.

Roberts then revealed that is when he took action. Under the advise of Whitney’s doctors, he filed his report to the people in charge of her career, to make them aware of how badly her addiction had become so they could get her help. However, Roberts claims that soon afterwards, he was contacted by Whitney’s lawyers and told his services were no longer needed.

Bodyguard’s Allegations About Bobby Regarding Daughter’s Death

As far as the death of Bobby’s and Whitney’s beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina, at age 22, Welshman D. Roberts went hard at Bobby B. for it.

W.D. Roberts: “That girl [Bobby Kristina] had no chance from the start. She was born into chaos. Her father was instrumental in her mother’s downfall. … I watched Bobbi Kristina as a little girl, running around the corridors of hotels we were staying in, surrounded by the degenerates who were supposed to be looking after her, and I worried for her future.”

“When I heard what had happened to Bobbi Kristina, I wasn’t surprised, but I was angry. […] Everything good Bobby Brown’s ever had in his life, he’s destroyed – his career, Whitney, and now Bobbi Kristina. She’s another victim of his poisonous personality.”

Geesh! This is sad no matter how we look at it. But should Bobby Brown really take most (or all) of the blame? Or should the blame be equally distributed among himself and all other contributing parties? Especially since we now know that it was not Bobby who actually introduced Whitney to drugs?

Some may say ‘yes’; some would say ‘no,’ both Whitney and Bobby are equally to blame…as well as Bobby’s and Whitney’s parents, and their parents, etc., regarding the generational dysfunction that has presented itself in various ways within both the Brown and Houston families. There’s no judgement here though, because MOST of us regular folks have forms of dysfunction within our own families. The only difference is that Bobby’s and Whitney’s dysfunction was put on front street due to their celebrity status.

Source

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If it’s one thing that we always loved about our beloved “Nippy,” it was her bubbly, feisty, take-no-mess personality. Whitney Houston, her brother, and best friend, once got in a hotel brawl and it was NOT pretty, but one thing’s for sure – she wasn’t gonna let NOBODY mess with her family! Solange Knowles & Jay-Z weren’t the only ones fisticuffing at hotels.

It all went down in 1991, when Whitney Houston was in Lexington, Kentucky, relaxing at the Radisson Plaza Hotel with her brother Michael & friend Robyn. They went to the hotel lounge to watch the Evander Holyfield-George Foreman fight. When the crowd saw Whitney, they surged around her, but her bodyguard informed them that Whitney wasn’t signing autographs, she just wanted to relax and watch the boxing match.

What Had Happened Was…

According to Kevin Ammon’s (Whitney’s former associate) book, Good Girl, Bad Girl, it all went down in 1991 when Whitney, along with her friend, Robyn, her brother, Michael Houston, and her bodyguard went to watch the Evander-Holyfield fight at a hotel lounge in Lexington, KY. The three had been staying at the hotel and wanted to take a break by watching the fight. Whitney had her bodyguard inform anyone who asked, that she would be signing autographs, nor taking pics that day. Apparently, three Caucasian men took offense to that. The three men were seated near Whitney’s table, laughing and joking loudly as they watched Whitney. Then all hell broke loose after the men brought race into the equation:

Via PanacheR: Whitney had enough. She had tried to ignore them and watch the fight but they wouldn’t leave her alone. She said, “Come on, let’s get out of here. We can watch the fight in our rooms.”

Everyone went their separate ways and Whitney, Michael and Robyn took the elevator up to their rooms. When they got off at their floor, the same three men were waiting for them, insisting that Whitney give them her autograph. Michael told them to back off and one of them threw a punch at Michael. He punched back knocking the man on his ass. The guys friend’s jumped in and racist slurs started flying. One of the men called Whitney a “stuck-up nig&er bitch,” and that’s when Michael lost it. He wasn’t about to let a bunch of rednecks insult his baby sister.

Fists were flying. It was three against one but Michael was holding his own and then Whitney jumped on the back of one of the men and began slugging him and then she delivered a solid blow to the his jaw, knocking him off Michael. Everybody was cussing, punching and rolling around the floor. Doors were being flung open down the long corridor. Guests couldn’t believe their eyes. The elegant and beautiful Whitney Houston, cussing like a sailor and delivering punches that would have made George Foreman proud. One of the guests said they heard Whitney yell, “You’re going to die, you son of a b*tch!”

Eventually, somebody called the police and broke up the fight. Then the three men had the nerve to file a lawsuit against Whitney and Michael, blaming them for assault, but of course that didn’t stick and the lawsuit was dismissed. Seems, there were too many witnesses.

Wow! Who knew Whitney had it in her?!! One thing that we do know about “Nippy” is that she was always down for her man and her family- you messed with one of them, you messed with her! And Whitney that’s why we’ll “always love you!”

[Source: Good Girl, Bad Girl]

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Bobby Brown’s 36-year-old son, Landon Brown, revealed what he most regret doing to his step-mother, Whitney Houston. Before we get into details about what Landon did, we must first explain their relationship. Landon and Whitney were very close, and Landon said that Whitney always treated him as one of her own. With that said, the old school saying, ‘those you love the most, can hurt you the most’ applies to the situation Landon revealed about a couple incidents between he and his step-mom.

LANDON BROWN REGRETS WHAT HE SAID ABOUT WHITNEY IN NATIONAL ENQUIRER INTERVIEW

In 2008, Landon did an interview with the National Enquirer, but says he wasn’t aware that the publication was gonna twist his words and turn them into something negative.

LANDON’S INTERVIEW MISTAKENLY PAINTED WHITNEY AS A QUESTIONABLE MOTHER

Landon never implied that Whitney was a bad parent, but the quotes that were used in his National Inquirer interview implied that he was saying she was a physically abusive parent and that he was being kept away from his sister, Bobbi Kristina, at that time. Landon said neither one of those insinuated claims were ever the case, and that Whitney never did such a thing.

THERE WAS ONE MORE THING THAT WHITNEY EVENTUALLY CALLED LANDON OUT ON…

BOBBY’S SON WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS REAL MOM & WHITNEY

According to Landon, there was an incident where Landon’s real mother, Melika Williams, and Whitney were together in the same setting one day. Landon calls both of them mom, but says he felt really uncomfortable calling Whitney ‘mom’ in front of his actual mother. Torn between not wanting to hurt either one of their feelings, this is what Landon did instead:

Landon Brown – “I playfully called her (Whitney) ‘lady.’ I was like, ‘Hey lady, you want some cake?’ I just wasn’t sure if I should call them both mom or if that would make my mother feel a lil uncomfortable. I thought it was nothing until she called me later that night after the festivities asking why I didn’t call her mom. I was a lil shocked. I thought it was a strange moment, but nothing she’d remember. I felt like a jerk!

I still didn’t know what I should’ve done in that situation, but for some reason I felt wrong. I know it really hurt her when my sister called shortly after asking what had I done cause [Whitney] was upset. I explained what happened and my sister laughed at me and told me you should’ve just called her mom you know you have more than one! That made me really feel terrible that my youngest sister saw the answer so clearly! I love my mothers and my siblings and I would never want to be the guy to slander their names.” [via AlwaysAList]

Landon’s inner confliction at that time is understandable…it was a seemingly awkward position he was in at that moment. Thankfully, Landon and Whitney were still able to move past that hurt and go back to a normal mother-son type of relationship. Landon loved Whitney dearly, just like he loves his real mother, and that is a bond that — no matter what happens — can never be broken. May his beloved step-mom, little sis,’ and brother, Bobby Brown Jr. continue to rest peacefully.

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The Controversial Whitney Joke

As Carmichael was hosting the Golden Globes, he cracked a sarcastic joke about the awards show being held in the same hotel where Whitney sadly died:

“So, we are here, live, from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton.”

As y’all could imagine, Carmichael’s joke garnered a mixture of ‘oohs,’ ‘ahhs,’ gasps, and a few laughs. However, Pat Houston was far from kicks and giggles after catching wind of the Whitney-joke. In fact, she’s reportedly hella pissed that the Golden Globes would allow their host to joke about Whitney’s death like that.

In a statement on Pat Houston’s behalf, a rep said:

“The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste.”

At this point, it’s unclear if the big wigs runnin’ the show even knew Carmichael was going to crack on Whitney like that. In the video clip above, it kinda seems like Carmichael created his joke off in the spur of the moment. At any rate, pretty sure Whitney’s loved ones couldn’t care less if Carmichael’s joke was pre-rehearsed or not.

As for Jerrod Carmichael’s stance on that apparently hot pot he’s now stirred up, he has yet to speak out on it. But this is familiar territory for him, his style of comedy has been known to be both controversial and insightful at the same time. This time though, he may have tipped the scale too far on the scale of sensitivity.

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If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Bobby Brown in recent years, it’s that his life has been hit with multiple tragedies in a rather short amount of time. One such tragedy was covered in a scene from his BET biopic, Bobby Brown Story,” in which he lost his beloved mother, Carole Brown; and how Bobby’s then ex-wife, Whitney Houston, delivered a touching song tribute to Mrs. Carole. So did Bobby’s New Edition brothers.

During the funeral scene, Whitney was portrayed as stating Mrs. Carole would be her mother-in-law ‘forever’ … and she didn’t care that Bobby’s wife, Alicia Etheredge-Brown, was sitting right there in front as she spoke. That was the Whitney the we all know and love — she kept it real at ALL times, even in the midst of her ‘forever mom-in-law’s’ funeral.

WATCH Funeral Footage Of Whitney & New Edition Singing Tributes For Mama Carole

Needless to say…at the time of Bobby’s biopic, Twitter was on fire following that heart-wrenching funeral scene in the movie. But now, the actual footage of both Whitney & New Edition singing at Mrs. Carole’s REAL funeral has surfaced. Whitney sang “Precious Lord,” and she later joined Johnny Gill (accompanied by Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Ralph, and Mike) for a rendition of “Never Would Have Made It.”

It was very sad — but beautiful to witness at the same time — as Whitney sang her heart out to offer comfort for the man she was once in love with for 14+ years, and also as New Edition uplifted Bobby B. and family at the home-going.

Mrs. Carole Brown would have been proud of her ‘forever’ daughter-in-law and her sons’ childhood friends, N.E., who she’d known ever since they were youngins running around Boston. Take a look at these rarely seen tributes:
Whitney sings “Precious Lord” at Carole Brown’s funeral…

Whitney & Johnny Gill sing “Never Would Have Made It” with N.E. members at Mama Carole’s funeral…

Bobby Mourned Back-To-Back Personal Deaths

It’s so heartbreaking to see that footage of Whitney singing at Mama Carole’s funeral, only for Whitney to pass away, just over one year later.

As we previously reported, Bobby’s dad, mom, and ex-wife, Whitney Houston, died all within a 2-year span. Just three years later, so did his beloved daughter, Bobby Kristina Brown, followed by his son (from a prior relationship), Bobby Brown Jr., in 2020.

Bobby’s mother, Carole Brown, died on January 20, 2011. Just one year later, Bobby’s dad, Herbert “Pops” Brown, died on December 10, 2011. Bobby’s mother’s death actually reunited him with Whitney (from a peaceful, friendship standpoint), which led to Whitney singing at his mom’s funeral.

Sadly, only one month after Bobby’s Dad passed away, our beloved Whitney passed away on February 11, 2012, sending Bobby into a downward spiral that was clouded in extreme grief, as he tried to cope with what was happening. After Whitney’s death, Bobby had a relapse with alcohol addiction in August of 2012, after successfully managing to stay sober for 7 years prior to that. His 2012 relapse caused him to get a DUI, which landed him in rehab for 18 months.

Then came the ultimate, most unnatural kind of pain that NO parent should ever have to bare- the death of his and Whitney’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina on July 26, 2015. Sadly, by February 2016, Bobby Brown was reportedly back in the same position he was in about four years prior to– allegedly trying to self medicate the grief away. That caused him to enter into a rehab facility for an unknown substance abuse, allegedly.

As if losing one child wasn’t already devastating enough…2020 dealt another severe blow to Bobby’s and his loved ones, with the death of his son (from a prior relationship), Bobby Brown Jr. As you all know, Bobby Jr. died of an accidental drug overdose at age 28, on November 18, 2020. It’s unclear if Bobby Sr. fell into a relapse following his son’s death, but hopefully, he did not.

Although Bobby has been fighting his heart out to keep pushing forward in life with his other children and also within his career, there is only so much heartache one person can take; and we all have different ways of dealing with it. We truly wish Bobby Brown well and give him the utmost respect for sharing his ups, downs, fails, and heartaches with the world. Hopefully his story will help someone else from making the same mistakes.

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