Oprah Winfrey’s Whitney Houston Story Challenged By Singer’s Estate: “She Was Absolutely Not High”

Oprah, Whitney Houston

Oprah Winfrey’s Whitney Houston Story Challenged By Singer’s Estate: “She Was Absolutely Not High”

Oprah Winfrey is facing pushback from Whitney Houston’s estate after sharing a previously untold story about the late music icon during a recent appearance at the Cannes Lions Festival.

During the conversation, Oprah recalled Houston’s final appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, claiming the singer fell off the stage while preparing to perform. Oprah said she urged audience members not to release photos or footage of the incident because she feared it would severely damage Houston’s reputation.

However, Whitney Houston’s estate quickly disputed Oprah’s version of events. In a social media post Pat Houston acknowledged that Houston did fall, but said the incident occurred during a soundcheck due to poor lighting and unfamiliarity with the stage — not because she was under the influence.

The estate added that while Houston’s struggles with addiction are well documented, it is “inaccurate and unfair” to connect every moment of her life and career to substance abuse. They emphasized that the performances audiences witnessed were the result of her professionalism, talent and dedication.

Houston, one of the best-selling artists of all time, died in 2012 at age 48. More than a decade after her passing, discussions surrounding her life, legacy and personal struggles continue to spark strong reactions from those closest to her.