Major Controversies Surrounding Whitney Houston: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Whitney Houston.
Whitney Houston, an iconic American singer, actress, and producer, nicknamed "the Voice," is celebrated as one of the most awarded artists ever. Her success transcended genres, breaking down racial and gender barriers in pop culture. Renowned for her exceptional vocal talent and captivating live performances, she was recognized as one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023. Houston's influence on music and entertainment remains profound.
1989: Soul Train Music Awards Criticism
In 1989, at the Soul Train Music Awards, Whitney Houston faced jeers from some audience members when her name was announced for a nomination. This reflected criticism from some black critics who felt she was "selling out" and that her recorded music lacked the soul of her live performances.
1993: Houston Addresses Controversy Over 'The Bodyguard' Advertising
In 1993, Whitney Houston addressed the controversy surrounding the advertising for 'The Bodyguard,' where some felt her face was intentionally omitted to hide the film's interracial relationship. Houston stated, "people know who Whitney Houston is – I'm black. You can't hide that fact."
July 1999: Unsuccessful Intervention
In July 1999, Cissy Houston and others held an intervention for Whitney Houston, attempting to persuade her to obtain drug treatment, but were unsuccessful.
January 11, 2000: Marijuana Incident at Airport
On January 11, 2000, airport security discovered marijuana in Whitney Houston's handbag at Keahole-Kona International Airport in Hawaii while traveling with her husband Bobby Brown; however, charges were later dropped.
March 2000: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Academy Awards Incident
In March 2000, Whitney Houston failed to show up to induct Clive Davis into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was fired from performing at the Academy Awards due to erratic behavior, though she did perform at Arista's 25th-anniversary celebration.
June 2000: Rolling Stone Publishes Intervention Story
In June 2000, Rolling Stone published a story detailing a July 1999 intervention where Cissy Houston and others unsuccessfully tried to persuade Whitney to seek drug treatment.
2002: "Crack is Wack" Interview
In 2002, Whitney Houston gave an interview with Diane Sawyer where she addressed rumors of drug use, famously saying, "crack is wack", and admitted to using substances.
2002: Release of "Just Whitney" album
In 2002, Whitney Houston's album, "Just Whitney", was released but received mixed reviews, and her drug use and tumultuous marriage began to overshadow her music career.
December 2003: Battery Charge Against Bobby Brown
In December 2003, Bobby Brown was charged with battery after an altercation where he threatened to beat Whitney Houston and then assaulted her, leaving visible injuries.
June 2005: "Being Bobby Brown" Premiere
In June 2005, the reality show "Being Bobby Brown", starring Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, premiered on Bravo, drawing criticism but achieving high ratings.
September 2009: Oprah Interview
In September 2009, Whitney Houston gave her first interview in seven years on Oprah Winfrey's show, admitting to drug use with Bobby Brown during their marriage and describing her struggles with addiction.
March 22, 2012: Cause of Death Reported
On March 22, 2012, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office reported that Whitney Houston's death was caused by drowning and the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use", with the manner of death listed as "accident".
