Whitney Houston’s sister-in-law is clarifying details about one of the late singer’s final performances after a video interview with Oprah Winfrey went viral. Pat Houston, who managed Whitney and is the executor of her estate, issued a statement on Instagram on Tuesday in response to Winfrey’s remarks.
In her statement, Pat noted, “Whitney absolutely fell off stage, but it was during a sound check, and due to the darkness and her unfamiliarity with the stage. She was not high.” She emphasized that Whitney faced personal struggles but believed it was unfair to link these issues to every aspect of her performances.
Pat Houston highlighted that the audience witnessed Whitney’s discipline and talent, rather than any assumptions made by others. She urged for a true representation of Whitney’s life, saying, “We owe her the dignity of telling the truth, not repeating myths.”
Whitney Houston, who battled drug and alcohol addiction, died in 2012 at the age of 48. Coroners ruled her death an accidental drowning with contributing factors including heart disease and cocaine use.
Winfrey recently discussed her experience with Whitney during a visit to the Cannes Lions festival, recalling the time Whitney fell off stage during a live performance. Winfrey expressed concern that if the incident had been reported, it could have severely impacted Whitney’s life.
Responses to Winfrey’s comments have been mixed, with some questioning the timing of her remarks, while others suggest they could have prompted Whitney to seek help.
