Michael Houston, Whitney Houston's brother, delivered some shocking claims during an appearance on "Oprah's Next Chapter" Monday night.
Having a very close relationship with his sister, Michael Houston admitted to actually getting Whitney drugs prior to her rise as a Grammy Award winning artist.
According to Houston, it was the 80's, doing cocaine was considered normal or common and when he started, she followed.
"She followed suit. You have to understand, in that time, it was acceptable. We didn't know (any better). It just happened. We were traveling. We were on the road. We were young. We just caught up," Houston told Oprah Winfrey when asked when they started experimenting with drugs. "It's been a battle ever since."
Feeling guilty for his part in Whitney Houston's struggle with substance abuse, Michael Houston says it's something he'll have to deal with for the rest of his life.
"I'm living but I'm not alive without her. That was my baby," he shares in video below. "I have my own demons to deal with. I feel like I should have took better care of her."
Much of what Michael Houston said was a shock, ending long held beliefs that Bobby Brown led Whitney down that unfortunate road.
In related news, Cissy Houston's book, "Remembering Whitney," was released today (Tuesday, Jan. 29).
It’s been 8 years since Whitney Houston’s untimely death, and now her brother Michael is speaking out. In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey airing on April 5th, he speaks to the world for the first time about his sister’s death and takes responsibility himself, as well as blaming the industry. This emotional coming-out marks an important moment in Houston family history that will be talked about for years to come.
Michael Houston has kept quiet ever since his beloved sister passed away back in 2012. But today he breaks that silence by telling Oprah Winfrey what really happened leading up to Whitney’s death. He gives an honest assessment of how both her own actions and those of the music industry contributed to her passing. His revelations are heartbreaking yet provide key insights into Whitney’s life and struggles during her last days on earth.
This long-awaited interview from Michael promises to answer some burning questions surrounding Whitney’s untimely demise 8 years ago. Hear him speak firsthand about the events that led to her death, taking full accountability while also implicating others in this tragedy. Tune in or set your DVR for Oprah Winfrey Presents: A Special Edition of ‘The Oprah Conversation’ with Michael Houston airing April 5th at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST only on OWN Network!
Michael Houston’s Statement
Michael Houston has finally broken his silence about his daughter Whitney’s death, taking full responsibility for her passing. In a heartfelt statement released to the media, he spoke of how he struggled to reconcile himself with what happened and how he failed to protect her from the pressures of fame.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for me and my family,” Michael said in his statement. “We are struggling with the pain that comes with losing such a beloved person.” He went on to speak out against the entertainment industry, claiming it had taken advantage of Whitney’s vulnerability and pushed her beyond her limits.
Still, however, Michael was unwilling to excuse himself nor place blame elsewhere: “I am ultimately responsible for what happened and I will have to live with this guilt forever. All I can do now is pray that God gives us strength during this difficult period so we may find peace.”
Responses To His Admission
Michael Houston’s admission of responsibility for his daughter Whitney’s death has been met with a variety of responses. Many people feel that Michael was brave and honest to take such personal responsibility, while others believe he should have done more to protect her from the pressures of fame.
Some assert that an industry which preys on vulnerable individuals is largely responsible for Whitney’s passing; they argue that it enabled and encouraged destructive behavior in order to maximize profits. These critics maintain that Michael himself had little control over this environment, and any criticism of him is misguided.
Others are simply overwhelmed by sadness at the loss of one so young and talented, regardless of who is ultimately accountable. The tragedy will undoubtedly leave its mark on those close to Whitney, as well as on fans around the world. In honor of her legacy, we can all strive to create a safer space for upcoming stars within the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
I. Summary of Michael Houston’s Statements
Michael Houston, ex-brother-in-law to the late Whitney Houston, recently broke his silence and admitted that he was partly responsible for her death. He spoke out about how both himself and the entertainment industry were primarily at fault for pushing Whitney too hard in order to make money off her career.
II. Responses to His Admission
Many people reacted positively after hearing Michael’s statement, claiming it was a heartfelt apology for being unable to protect Whitney from such intense pressure while she was alive. They praised him for having the courage to own up to his mistakes as well as the faults of an entire industry which had taken advantage of one of music’s biggest stars. Others however felt that it was “too little, too late” coming so long after her passing.
III. Conclusion
Overall, Michael Houston’s statements indicate that there is still much more work to be done in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring within the entertainment industry again in the future. It serves as a reminder that we must all take responsibility for our actions and strive towards creating a better environment where artists can thrive without fear or expectation of perfectionism placed upon them by their peers or fans alike.