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whitney houston’s death
Whitney Houston died from accidental drowning, but drug abuse and heart disease were also factors, a coroner has ruled today.
Coroner’s spokesman Craig Harvey said drug tests indicated Whitney Houston was a chronic cocaine user.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation over the cause of Whitney Houston’s death.
Whitney Houston cause of death was accidental drowning, but drug abuse and heart disease were also factors
The report also found that Whitney Houston had marijuana, as well as Xanax (anxiety medication), Flexeril (muscle relaxer) and Benadryl (allergy medication) in her system.
A source connected to the investigation told TMZ us it is “very possible” Whitney Houston had a heart attack that caused her to lose consciousness and drown. The heart attack may have been triggered by hardening of the arteries as a result of cocaine use.
Whitney Houston was found unresponsive and underwater in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 11, a day before the Grammy Awards, and was pronounced dead at the scene soon afterward.
Coroner officials previously confirmed that prescription pill bottles were found in her room, but the pills were “not in alarming amounts.”
However, investigators found no evidence of cocaine in the hotel room.
A final report is expected to be ready for release within two weeks.
“We are saddened to learn of the toxicology results, although we are glad to now have closure,” Patricia Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law, said in a statement released to E! News.
Whitney Houston, who had long battled drug addiction, was laid to rest on February 19 at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, alongside her father, following a star-studded memorial the day before.
Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston’s cousin, says that she will no longer answer questions about the late singer.
Dionne Warwick, 71, who has given several interviews in the wake of Whitney Houston’s death, said that the star now “needs to rest”.
Whitney Houston’s cousin told Entertainment Tonight: “I think what we’re doing right now is the last time I’m gonna be doing this about Whitney. Whitney needs to be let go, she needs to rest and we all need to give her that solace.”
Dionne Warwick had earlier declined to take part in Oprah Winfrey’s recent TV special about Whitney Houston.
The singer previously revealed that she spoke to Whitney Houston just hours before she passed away in a Beverly Hilton hotel room on February 11.
Dionne Warwick, who has given several interviews in the wake of Whitney Houston's death, said that the star now "needs to rest"
Dionne Warwick also told Entertainment Tonight that she is pleased to be recording a new album, saying that the work has helped her cope with the tragedy.
“This is probably the best thing that ever could have happened – for me to be busy,” Dionne Warwick said.
“I want to have the peace that I know she is enjoying right now.”
Ray J, Whitney Houston’s boyfriend, is reportedly seeking counseling to help him cope with the singer’s recent death.
Ray J, 31, is heartbroken after Whitney Houston, 48, died last month and his sister Brandy has urged him to seek professional help to manage his grief.
A source told RadarOnline.com: ”Ray J is obviously absolutely devastated by the loss of Whitney, who he says was the love of his life. Even though a month has passed since she died, Ray still can’t believe that Whitney is gone. He has saved voicemail messages on his cell phone from her that he has been listening to. His sister Brandy has urged him to go to counseling to deal with this loss, and he has finally agreed.
”Brandy and her brother are extremely close, and she has been a rock for him in the weeks since Whitney died. However, Brandy is also dealing with a huge loss, as she worked with Whitney professionally, and loved her like an older sister. Brandy recognizes that she can only help her brother so much. Ray has promised Brandy he will see someone.”
Ray J, Whitney Houston's boyfriend, is reportedly seeking counseling to help him cope with the singer's recent death
Ray J has also told friends he is so upset by Whitney’s death that he can’t even listen to her music anymore.
The source added: ”Ray has told his family he doesn’t know if he will ever be able to listen to Whitney’s version of <<I Will Always Love You>> ever again. He is surrounded by his family and just trying to get through the pain. What people don’t realize is how much Ray loves Whitney, he never refers to her in the past tense. He just doesn’t know what to do with the huge void in his life.”
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, sat down with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday on “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” where she opened up about her mother’s death and how she’s coping.
Here are some highlights of Bobbi Kristina Brown interview with Oprah Winfrey:
Whitney Houston’s last moments
Whitney Houston was found in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on February 11. Bobbi Kristina Brown, 19, said the night before Whitney Houston’s death, she asked her mother to spend the night with her. “I slept in her arms all day, all night long.”
Whitney Houston is always there for Bobbi Kristina
“She’s always with me,” said Bobbi Kristina. “Her spirit is strong, it’s a strong spirit. I feel her pass through me all the time. I can hear her voice in spirit talking to me.”
Bobbi Kristina Brown sat down with Oprah Winfrey and she opened up about Whitney Houston's death and how she's coping
Bobbi Kristina’s family is helping her to cope
Bobbi Kristina credited her family and God for helping her cope. “It comes in waves. One moment I can be happy and laughing, but then it comes over me. It’s my mom,” she said.
Coming Home
Bobbi Kristina has been spending time in her mother’s Atlanta mansion. The 19-year-old explained: “Sometimes, it’s so surreal. I still walk into the house like, <<Mom?>> But I’ve accepted it.”
Carrying on Her Mother’s Talent
“I have to carry on the legacy,” says Bobbi Kristina. “We’re going to do the singing thing. Some acting, some dancing.”
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New reports claim that Britney Spears has rejected a $10 million offer to join the next autumn’ season of The X Factor.
Britney Spears allegedly rejected that offer three weeks ago and is instead thinking about an offer to become a resident performer at a Las Vegas hotel like Celine Dion.
It appears that Britney Spears’ camp want $20 million for her to do the job.
A spokeswoman for The X Factor refused to confirm or comment on the speculation.
TV executives at Fox have previously declined to comment on the matter, but insiders say Britney Spears is keen to join the hit show in theory.
There are two vacant spaces to fill alongside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid after Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were fired.
Sources have told Us Weekly and Sunday World that Britney Spears has her eye on the job.
Britney Spears has rejected a $10 million offer to join the next autumn’ season of The X Factor
One insider close to newly-engaged Britney Spears told Sunday World: “The timing is perfect. Brit would love to connect with fans on a weekly basis and loves working on TV after several guest appearances on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother.”
Almost 10,000 fans have voted for Britney Spears to appear as a judge on fansite breathheavy.com.
Back in 2008 Britney Spears performed Womanizer on the British version of X Factor – but was heavily criticized for miming.
Fox has still not confirmed who is to replace Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul.
While an appearance by Britney Spears is looking more and more likely, Janet Jackson has declined a potential offer to sit beside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the panel.
British judge and Simon Cowell cohort, Louis Walsh also confirmed that the iconic star was in talks to join the team.
Janet Jackson, 45, told Insider.com that she is “very flattered that X Factor let me know that I was being considered for next season, but it just wouldn’t be possible”.
The singer said that the move would be “unrealistic” as she is already committed to her Number Ones Up Close and Personal Tour.
A representative for Janet Jackson added: “There have been absolutely no meetings between Janet and anyone with regard to X Factor.”
However, in the wake of Whitney Houston’s death, Simon Cowell revealed he had been considering her for a role on the judging panel.
Another name rumored was Beyonce.
But Simon Cowell publicly refuted reports he was offering Beyonce $500 million to sign a five year contract.
Simon Cowell told Extra the budget for the show is $100 million a year and said he would never dream of paying anyone that much money.
Bobbi Kristina Brown found speaking to Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s Next Chapter about her mother Whitney Houston’s death a “healing” experience.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 19, who is the sole benefactor of her mother’s will, will see her interview with Oprah Winfrey aired by OWN on Sunday, March 11, and is said to be “really happy” with the way it turned out.
An insider told HollywoodLife.com: “She is happy with the way it turned out. The interview really was a healing experience for her and it allowed her to really shed some major emotion, it was almost a form of therapy.
“It was an overall good experience for the family and Bobbi Kristina, they are all happy with how it turned out.”
Bobbi Kristina Brown found speaking to Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s Next Chapter about her mother Whitney Houston's death a "healing" experience
Despite Bobbi Kristina being pleased with the interview, it has previously been claimed other members of Whitney Houston’s family are keen to keep her out of the limelight following her mother’s shock death on February 11.
A source recently said: “There is still no resolution and there has been nothing concrete on the cause of death, and they were hoping for that.
“There were members of the family who weren’t keen on [the interview] going down at this time.
“There are people who just want her to stay out of the limelight for a while. This is a little girl who just needs some time.”
Whitney Houston’s former on-off boyfriend Ray J says that he is “still hurting” over the singer’s death last month.
Speaking at a Brotherhood Crusade/Mothers in Action press conference on Friday, Ray J said: “It’s just such a tough time for me. I’ve been through a lot in these past few weeks.”
“I’m able to look at life in a whole different way. I always look at my phone because I got a picture of somebody I really love and it helps me through the day.”
Ray J donated several items to the charity, including school supplies and clothes, according to Us Weekly.
“I love giving back to kids and helping my community,” he said.
“I’ve been part of the Brother Crusade and working with them since I was 16 years old, so this is nothing new for me to come out and give back.
“I’m here to spend time with them, laugh with them and make sure they have everything the need to move on in a positive way with their education in life.”
Whitney Houston's former on-off boyfriend Ray J says that he is “still hurting” over the singer’s death last month
Ray J continued to talk about his emotional state.
“I’m really emotional right now and I really don’t know what to say,” he said.
“But I will say I love and hurt. I enjoy being around people that support me and give me a sense of peace. That’s what these kids mean to me and what the Brotherhood Crusade does for me.
“The most important thing of all is that God is talking to me. God is talking to me right now, and now is the time to listen. My ears are open.”
The Fox drama Glee will pay tribute to Whitney Houston in an upcoming episode.
Glee is currently shooting an instalment which features eight songs from the late musician, E! Online reports.
A source claimed that the episode will “not be a typical tribute” and added that it will focus on the graduating characters struggling to deal with the changes in their lives.
“It’s using Whitney’s music as a way to say goodbye,” the source said.
“A way to respectfully say thank you for her music.”
The Fox drama Glee will pay tribute to Whitney Houston in an upcoming episode
Lea Michele, who plays Rachel in Glee, recently posted on Twitter that the cast were paying tribute to a star, saying: “Starting a new episode today. A very special tribute to one of the worlds most amazing singers. Very excited about this one.”
The actress later added that she was “singing a really great version of one of [her] favourite songs” with Amber Riley, Naya Rivera and Chris Colfer and teased: “Filming something right now that’s going to be really special.. Can’t wait for you all to see it…”
Following Whitney Houston’s death earlier this year, Amber Riley sang I Will Always Love You on Glee. The performance had always been planned but the show paid tribute to Houston by adding a title card in her memory at the end of the episode.
Glee is currently on hiatus and will return on April 10 on Fox in the US, though it is not yet clear when the tribute episode will air. The show continues on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. on Sky1 in the UK.
OWN has released a video preview of Oprah’s Winfrey’s Sunday interview with Bobbi Kristina Brown and Whitney Houston’s brother and sister-in-law.
On “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Oprah Winfrey sits down with Bobbi Kristina Brown – the only child of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown – and the singer’s brother, Gary Houston, and her sister-in-law/manager Patricia Houston.
In the preview, Oprah Winfrey’s seen asking Gary Houston: “As a big brother, how did you feel about Bobby Brown?”
Oprah Winfrey is also seen hugging Bobbi Kristina Brown, who turned 19 on March 4, less than a month after Whitney Houston’s death on February 11.
OWN has released a video preview of Oprah's Winfrey's Sunday interview with Bobbi Kristina Brown and Whitney Houston's brother and sister-in-law
During the special, the family will discuss the speculation surrounding Whitney Houston’s death, according to a network release.
Bobbi Kristina Brown will also share her favorite memories of her mother and say how she hopes she will be remembered.
OWN is also rebroadcasting “Remembering Whitney: The Oprah Interview,” Oprah Winfrey’s 2009 interview with Whitney Houston on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
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The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has received phone calls and emails from different people claiming to be relatives of Whitney Houston and demanding murder investigation in singer’s death.
According to TMZ, the calls and emails were made by several different people, some claiming to be relatives of Whitney Houston and some relatives of Bobby Brown. The calls and emails have a common theme – the belief Whitney Houston may have been murdered. At least one person claimed to have information supporting the murder theory.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has received phone calls and emails from different people claiming to be relatives of Whitney Houston and demanding murder investigation in singer’s death
At least one caller offered a theory about a relative who might have done Whitney Houston in, but offered no supporting proof.
The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has not verified the callers were indeed relatives.
The Coroner has already said there was no sign of foul play or trauma, but the official cause of death won’t be determined until toxicology results are in.
An official from the Coroner’s Office says the investigation is ongoing and would not comment further.
Rumors have swirled that Whitney Houston had an affair with the then-married Jermaine Jackson in the mid-1980s, and now sister La Toya is joining the fray.
During an appearance on The Talk today, La Toya Jackson says: “He has admitted that they had an affair.”
A report in The Sun, however, provides more salacious details.
The paper claims that Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson were together for a year, and that Houston’s hit song “Saving All My Love for You” – about a woman hooking up with a married man – was a thinly veiled ballad to her clandestine paramour.
The Sun claims that Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson were together for a year, and that Houston's hit song "Saving All My Love for You" was a thinly veiled ballad to her clandestine paramour
Michael Jackson reportedly knew about the affair but didn’t approve. At the time, Jermaine Jackson was married to Hazel Gordy, daughter of legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy.
After Whitney Houston’s death, a video surfaced of the couple singing a duet back in 1984, which – if The Sun’s report is to be believed – would have happened around the time of the affair.
Jermaine Jackson caused a small stir two weeks ago when he retracted a press release announcing that he had dedicated his song “The First Time You Love” to Whitney Houston, and claimed it had been sent out without his knowledge.
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Bobbi Kristina Brown has marked her first birthday since the death of her mother Whitney Houston.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of Whitney Houston – whose lifeless body was found submerged in a bath tub at her Beverly Hills hotel suite on February 11 – turned 19 on Sunday and saw in the occasion with her close family.
A source said: ”Bobbi is now with the family and going through the grieving process just with them.”
Bobbi Kristina – whose father is Whitney’s ex-husband Bobby Brown – had to be hospitalized following Whitney Houston’s death, and went missing on the day of the funeral.
Bobbi Kristina Brown has marked her first birthday since the death of her mother Whitney Houston
But an insider reveals that Bobbi Kristina Brown has started to show signs of improvement since bonding with her maternal grandmother, gospel singer Cissy Houston.
The source told US Weekly: ”[They] have been getting along a bit better. She really needs her own space right now to heal, and Cissy knows that.
”Cissy has a team of people helping her through this … right now, the goal is to make her feel special and loved.”
Meanwhile, Michael Jackson’s sister LaToya has weighed in on rumors that Whitney Houston has a secret fling with her brother Jermaine in the 1980’s, while he was married to first wife Hazel Gordy.
During an appearance on American chat show “The Talk”, LaToya Jackson said of her brother Jermaine: “He has admitted that they had an affair.”
Whitney Houston’s death saw the sales of her records skyrocket and this is being seen as recurring trend in the event of the death of a pop star.
Amy Winehouse’s album sales jumped 37-fold the day after the singer died in July.
The following week Amy Winehouse had five singles in the UK Top 40, while her second album “Back To Black” claimed the No.1 spot.
Four months later Amy Winehouse topped the charts with a new album of unreleased tracks – “Lioness: Hidden Treasures”, the Daily Star reported.
Whitney Houston's death saw the sales of her records skyrocket and this is being seen as recurring trend in the event of the death of a pop star
Michael Jackson’s 2009 London shows were originally planned to help him get back in control of his $475 million debt. But it was only after his death in June 2009 that money really starting pouring in for Michael Jackson.
The following week Michael Jackson’ record sales soared 40-fold and the sales spike has continued ever since.
In 2010, Michael Jackson generated more money than any artist alive or dead by bagging $273 million in record sales and radio royalties.
Last year, only Irish rockers U2 managed to top the $170 million Michael Jackson’s estate raked in.
The second-highest earning dead celebrity last year was Elvis Presley, who died in 1977. He earned $55 million from his back catalogue, visitors to Graceland and ticket sales from a tribute show in Las Vegas.
Oprah Winfrey has snagged an exclusive interview with the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, for Oprah’s Next Chapter airing Sunday, March 11 at 9:00 p.m.
In addition to Bobbi Kristina, Oprah Winfrey will speak to Whitney Houston’s sister-in-law and manager Patricia (Pat) Houston, and brother Gary Houston.
According to a release from the network (OWN): “Bobbi Kristina shares personal memories of her mom and how she would like the iconic superstar to be remembered. The family also addresses the rumors and speculation surrounding Houston’s death.”
Before the interview at 7:00 p.m., OWN will re-air its special, Remembering Whitney: The Oprah Interview, which features the singer’s 2009 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Winfrey’s own personal memories of the star.
Oprah Winfrey has snagged an exclusive interview with Bobbi Kristina Brown for Oprah’s Next Chapter airing Sunday, March 11 at 9 pm
The initial February 16 airing of the Remembering Whitney special, which aired within a week of Whitney Houston’s sudden death, brought in 830,000 viewers and offered solid showings in weekend encores.
OWN, which struggled with viewership in its first year, is seeing an upswing in its year-over-year ratings as Oprah Winfrey has stepped into a more on-screen role with shows like Oprah’s Next Chapter and Oprah’s Lifeclass.
The crude comments made about Whitney Houston’s death by on-air personalities John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou have prompted a number of changes at Los Angeles radio station KFI AM 640.
In a memo “to the Los Angeles Community” issued Thursday, the radio station noted that it has enacted new policies and will continue to enact new policies following public criticism over the comments.
According to the memo, KFI said that John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou of “The John and Ken Show”, will undergo cultural sensitivity training, along with “key staff and management.”
KFI said that the training will further John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou’s “awareness of the cultural melting pot that is Southern California.”
On a broader scale, KFI said it is reviewing its talk formats and “will find a platform for auditioning a diverse group of local hosts and guests.
“While our plans are still developing, we anticipate creating unique programming to reflect important issues to our multi-cultural community. This will be a great launching pad for identifying talent for future opportunities,” the memo reads.
KFI also said it will be working with members of the community to “update guidelines for our on-air hosts in a way that is helpful in a live unscripted environment,” and will “expand on its successful internship program to target minority students.”
The crude comments made about Whitney Houston's death by on-air personalities John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou have prompted a number of changes at Los Angeles radio station KFI AM 640
John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou sparked outrage and earned a week-and-a-half suspension in February when, days after Whitney Houston’s death, they made a number of on-air comments that many considered inappropriate. Among the comments, the pair called Whitney Houston a “crack ho,” said she had been “cracked out for 20 years,” and wondered of her death, “Really? [It] took this long?”
John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou apologized in a statement issued by the station that also announced the pair’s suspension.
“We made a mistake, and we accept the station’s [to suspend us],” John Kobylt said.
“We used language that was inappropriate, and we sincerely apologize to our listeners and to the family of Ms. Houston.”
Authorities found no evidence of foul play related to Whitney Houston’s death, which is set to be declared an accident.
Whitney Houston died in mysterious circumstances, leading to speculation that other people could have been involved in her death.
But investigations into the singer’s death have not uncovered signs that it was anything other than accidental.
A source told E! News that “nothing suspicious” connected the death to any of Whitney Houston’s associates, staff or doctors.
“She had no marks on her body whatsoever to indicate a struggle, and she was the furthest thing from trying to kill herself,” the source continued.
On Whitney Houston’s death certificate no cause of death was specified, as officials waited for the result of a toxicology test.
That result could come as early as next week, which would bring the investigation close to a conclusion.
Investigations into Whitney Houston's death have not uncovered signs that it was anything other than accidental
Whitney Houston’s family have apparently been convinced all along that her death must have been accidental.
But Whitney Houston’s former sister-in-law Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood: “I believe Whitney’s death was not accidental.”
Leolah Brown, sister of singer Bobby Brown, also advised the couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina that she should “not trust anybody at this time”.
Whitney Houston was found dead aged 48 on February 11 in the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
The singer was found dead in a bathtub in her suite, sparking suggestions she might have passed out after a drug overdose.
Whitney Houston, most famous for her hit I Will Always Love You, was a regular user of crack cocaine and other drugs.
Just days before her death Whitney Houston was photographed looking disheveled and bleeding outside a Los Angeles nightclub.
Whitney Houston’s funeral was held a week later in her home town of Newark, New Jersey.
Leolah Brown, Bobby Brown’ sister, is speaking out for the first time since Whitney Houston’s death, defending her brother and sending a warning to her niece Bobbi Kristina.
Leolah Brown came to Bobby Brown’s defense during an interview that aired last night on Access Hollywood.
Leolah Brown says that she does not think Whitney Houston’s death was an accident.
Bobby Brown’ sister also expressed concern for her niece, Bobbi Kristina.
There have been several reports since Whitney Houston’s passing that Bobbi Kristina is emotionally unstable, and Leolah Brown believes that her niece is in danger.
“I am concerned about my niece Bobbi Kristina, yes,” Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood of her 18-year-old niece, who she refers to as “Krissy.”
“Krissy is not safe right now. I want to say to Krissy that it’s very, very, very important that she does not trust anybody at this time. Anybody except her father, her grandmother Cissy and myself. And I mean that.”
“Right now is the time to just really shut the door,” Leolah Brown continued.
Leolah Brown, Bobby Brown’ sister, is speaking out for the first time since Whitney Houston’s death, defending her brother and sending a warning to her niece Bobbi Kristina
Leolah Brown and her attorney, Reginald Mason, remained unspecific about who may try to harm Krissy.
“There are persons that possibly would want to take advantage of Bobbi Kristina’s fragile state of mind,” Reginald Mason claimed.
Leolah Brown claims her brother Bobby is not doing well, but says he is not to blame for Whitney Houston’s demise.
“Bobby has nothing, nothing at all to do with Whitney’s death,” Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood.
While awaiting toxicology results to determine what killed the singer, Leolah Brown told Access that she has reached out to the Beverly Hills Police Department to make sure they do a thorough investigation.
“I believe Whitney’s death was not accidental. No,” Leolah Brown claimed.
“My attorney has advised me not to get into that at all,” Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood.
“But, it’s very important to know that she did not just pass away like that. No. And if it’s the last thing that I do, I’m going to find out what truly happened to my sister.”
Leolah Brown, sister of Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown is claiming that the singer’s death was not accidental.
Leolah Brown told Access Hollywood she has been in touch with police in Beverly Hills with her claims about the circumstances surrounding Whitney Houston’s death.
“I believe Whitney’s death was not accidental. No. It’s very important to know that she did not just pass away like that, and if it’s the last thing I do, I am going to find out what truly happened to my sister,” Leolah Brown said.
But she’s refusing to speculate on why she thinks Whitney Houston’s death was not accidental.
Her attorney however advised not to say who or what she believes killed the singer.
The singer’s autopsy failed to reveal how Whitney Houston, whose body was found in the bath of her Beverly Hilton Hotel suite, died, and the results of a toxicology report are still outstanding.
Leolah Brown, sister of Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown is claiming that the singer’s death was not accidental
Leolah Brown is also extremely concerned for Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, claiming that “she is not safe right now”.
Those are extremely heavy statements but not surprising for those who know about the dark side of the music industry.
Leolah Brown is basically saying: “The shady people who got Whitney are now after Bobbi Kristina”.
This is the first time since Whitney Houston’s death, Leolah Brown talked about her sister-in-law.
Leolah Brown and her attorney, Reginald Mason, did not specify who may try to harm Bobbi Kristina.
“There are persons that possibly would want to take advantage of Bobbi Kristina’s fragile state of mind,” Reginald Mason claimed.
Leolah Brown also said that her brother Bobby is not doing well, and claims the “My Prerogative” singer is not to blame for Whitney Houston’s demise.
Cissy Houston is determined to help turn granddaughter Bobbi Kristina’s life around as she enters the most difficult period in her life.
According to New York Daily New, Cissy Houston, 78, mother of Whitney Houston and grandmother to Bobbi Kristina declared: “I’ll be damned if I’m burying my grandbaby.”
A source told NY Daily News: “In the aftermath of Whitney’s death, she’s running the show.”
Cissy Houston “couldn’t do nothing with Whitney and the hangers-on, moochers and enablers that sucked the life out of her,” a second source continued. But “she has the reins of this now.”
Cissy Houston is determined to help turn granddaughter Bobbi Kristina’s life around as she enters the most difficult period in her life
It was previously reported that Bobbi Kristina was found doing drugs after her mother’s funeral, but that’s not the case. Now that Cissy Houston has stepped in, you can bet things are going to be different.
“She was with the family the whole time,” Darlene Love tells Access Hollywood.
“We all went to a restaurant we call after a funeral or home celebration, a repast, where everybody goes and sits and talks and eats. She was there, she was there yesterday, she’s been with the family these last couple of days.”
Whitney Houston treated her daughter more like a friend, since she was “absent” through most of Bobbi Kristina’s childhood years.
“Whitney felt bad that she wasn’t present as a mother” in Bobbi Kristina’s life, the source told NY Daily News, “so she treated her like a friend. That was her way to be close to her.”
Mother and daughter were extremely close, seen partying just a few days before Whitney Houston’s death.
Earlier reports claimed that Elton John was to attend his friend Whitney Houston’s funeral and, when he cancelled his Friday and Saturday concerts at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, many fans thought that’s where he was.
But Sir Elton John has responded to the reports, saying the shows were cut because he was sick with food poisoning, not because he was bidding farewell to the troubled star.
A statement on Elton John’s official website said: “Elton’s management would like to apologize to all the ticket buyers who were disappointed over this unavoidable cancellation.
“Also, they would like to respond to various online rumors that Elton attended the funeral of Whitney Houston on Saturday.
“This is completely untrue. The only reason Elton did not play his concerts over the weekend is because he was too ill.”
Elton John said his shows in Las Vegas were cut because he was sick with food poisoning, not because he was attending Whitney Houston’s funeral
Elton John had been due to perform as part of his residency at the Caesar’s Palace.
The statement also promised full refunds to fans.
A spokesperson for Elton John told website TMZ he is feeling “much better now” and will be ready for his next concert later this week, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Elton John was performing in Las Vegas on the previous Saturday when he heard about Whitney Houston’s death.
The singer dedicated his track Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me to Whitney Houston.
Addressing the crowd that night Elton John said: “This is a sad day today, most of you must know by now the news of Whitney Houston passing away.
“About six years ago I was here in Vegas with some friends and we spent the whole afternoon on YouTube looking at Whitney’s work from a long time ago, and you forget – with all the troubles she went through – how brilliant, she was.
“So, my dearest, gorgeous, lovely angel, we want to do this song for you. Thank you for giving us your talent and one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Whitney Houston’s most prized possessions are set to go up for an auction next month, it has emerged today, two days after the singer’s funeral.
Whitney Houston’s items up for sale include a pair of earrings, a brown satin waistcoat and a black velvet dress she wore in the 1992 movie The Bodyguard.
Darren Julien, Julien’s Auctions boss, has defended the decision to hold the sale – which will take place at the Hollywood Legends auction on March 31 – so shortly after Whitney Houston’s death.
Darren Julien told the Associated Press: “It proves a point that these items, they’re an investment. You buy items just like a stock. Buy at the right time and sell at the right time, and they just increase in value.”
He went on to say the auction would be a celebration of Whitney Houston, who was found dead in the bathtub of her Beverly Hilton hotel suite a week ago.
Whitney Houston’s black velvet dress worn by singer in The Bodyguard is one of the items set to go on auction next month
Darren Julien said: “It’s a celebration of her life. If you hide these things in fear that you’re going to offend someone – her life is to be celebrated.
“These items are historic now that she passed. They become a part of history. They should be in museums. She’s lived a life and had a career that nobody else has ever had.
“For people who are fans of Whitney Houston and never would have had a chance to meet her and never got to talk to her, these are items that literally touched a part of her life.
“They are a way to relate to her or be a part of her life without having known her.”
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s family has ensured the Beverly Hilton hotel room she died in has been meticulously stripped of any memorabilia to prevent anyone selling the items to profit out of her death.
TMZ reports that everything has been removed from room 434, including bed sheets, towels and rubbish.
Whitney Houston, 48, was laid to rest yesterday next to the body of her father John Russell Houston Jr. – who died in 2003 – at the Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey.
Only close family – including cousin Dionne Warwick – attended the private burial – which took place on Sunday after her funeral – with fans lining the route to the cemetery.
To keep onlookers out a huge tent was erected over the site where Whitney Houston’s silver coffin was lowered into the ground.
Stars including Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Clive Davis and Kevin Costner – Whitney’s co-star in movie “The Bodyguard” – were among the mourners at her “going home service” on Saturday.
Kevin Costner paid tribute to Whitney Houston in a moving eulogy at the funeral, telling her fans to remember “the sweet miracle” of the singer.
After a very public funeral attended by thousands yesterday, Whitney Houston is laid to rest surrounded by just a select few in New Jersey today.
Whitney Houston is to be buried in a private ceremony at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield where her father, John Russell Houston Jr., was interred in 2003.
The late singer’s silver casket was transported to the cemetery in a gold-painted hearse on Sunday morning, closely following a black truck brimming with purple roses, pink carnations and white lilies.
Whitney Houston’s casket was reportedly watched over by 10 security guards after it left the invitation-only service attended by some of the music world’s biggest stars yesterday.
Authorities said the tight security has continued during the burial, with a heavy officer presence in and around the ceremony in anticipation of fans flocking to the site to say their final goodbyes.
Fans carrying banners, flowers and photographs of the late star were gathered along the route to the cemetery as police escorted the hearse. It arrived at the cemetery just before 11:45 a.m.
Whitney Houston is to be buried in a private ceremony at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield where her father, John Russell Houston Jr., was interred in 2003
The driver appeared to be crying as she played the singer’s greatest hit I Will Always Love You, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reported.
The burial comes a day after the singer was mourned at the funeral – called her “going home” by her family – held in the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark where she sang in the choir as a child.
High-profile friends of Whitney Houston, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, music mogul Clive Davis and her The Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner, spoke or performed at the highly-charged service.
The ceremony, which closed with Whitney Houston’s song I Will Always Love You, was also attended by her mother Cissy Houston, who wailed “My baby!” as the casket was carried out.
Whitney Houston’s on-off boyfriend Ray J – who reached out for the casket as it passed – and her teenage daughter Bobbi Kristina also attended the service.
The star’s distraught ex-husband Bobby Brown caused a ruckus when he bickered with security about the number of guests accompanying him. He was told he could bring two but arrived with nine.
Bobby Brown stormed out of the service after security tried to move him, but later returned.
The service came a week after Whitney Houston was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California.
Questions remains about what caused Whitney Houston’s death and investigators are examining prescription drugs found in her hotel room.
Coroners have deferred city a cause on her death certificate as they are waiting for the outcome of toxicology tests.
It was believed the family would be able to see Whitney Houston’s body once more before she is buried, TMZ reported.
Robyn Crawford, Whitney Houston’s friend and former personal assistant, says the singer chose the life she led.
While others want to dwell on the bad things that might have led to Whitney Houston’s untimely death, Robyn Crawford has chosen another path.
While it’s true that part of Whitney Houston’s life was full of hardship and trouble, Robyn Crawford told Esquire magazine that’s not how she’ll remember Whitney Houston.
To illustrate that, Robyn Crawford published some of her most cherished memories with her friend.
Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford met years before Whitney became a huge star. In fact, the singer was just 16. However, Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford formed a quick friendship and a bond that grew and blossomed. The singer even hired Robyn Crawford to work with her.
Robyn Crawford (right), Whitney Houston’s friend and former personal assistant, says the singer chose the life she led
Robyn Crawford recounts a certain trip around the world they made together. She flew first class with Whitney Houston and stayed in the same hotels as she did.
“She fed everybody with her love,” Robyn Crawford says.
“Deep down inside that’s what made her tired.”
There’s no denying that Whitney Houston loved the high life, but she also shared it with those she cared about. As for her work life, Robyn Crawford says Whitney Houston always gave whatever she was doing 100 percent of her energy. Whitney Houston worked as hard as she played.
“It was never easy. She never left anything undone,” says Robyn Crawford.
Referring the Whitney Houston’s film The Bodyguard, she noted: “…she did the film, she did the music, she did everything….”
Robyn Crawford also compared Whitney Houston’s performance of “I Will Always Love You” to that of an athlete at the peak of his or her career.
Still, Whitney Houston’s death was a shock. Robyn Crawford says February was a special month to her friend. Whitney Houston released her first album on Valentine’s Day.
It was a Grammy month and the time of her mentor, Clive Davis’s, big party. Those were all things to which Whitney Houston looked forward to.
Robyn Crawford hopes that people will remember Whitney Houston for her talent and her drive and not just for the fact she took drugs.
“A lot of people take drugs…,” Robyn Crawford notes.
“I just hope she wasn’t in pain and that she hadn’t lost hope.”
Following Whitney Houston’s death claims emerged stating that singer was disheveled and incoherent and that she interrupted an E! interview the Thursday before her death.
However, according to Radaronline, this is false and a source said: “Whitney waited until E! had finished filming to say hello. Clive, Brandy and Monica were doing interviews with multiple media outlets to promote their performance at the pre-Grammy party.
“The interview was finished, and the E! crew was off to the side taking their equipment down, and the trio was awaiting the next outlet to come in and set up. As soon as the E! crew saw Whitney enter the room, they started rolling their cameras. Whitney came over, and said hello to all three. She was completely sober, coherent, and absolutely respectful. She just wanted to wish Brandy and Monica good luck.”
Following Whitney Houston's death claims emerged stating that singer was disheveled and incoherent and that she interrupted an E! interview the Thursday before her death
The Beverly Hilton hotel room where Whitney Houston died in is said to be fully booked for the “foreseeable future” it has been reported.
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s death certificate has been released, but failed to determine the cause of death listing “pending investigation” as the manner of death and “deferred” is written for the immediate cause.
While it is known that Whitney Houston drank alcohol and had taken prescription drugs before her death it is still not clear what the exact cause is – and it has been reported it will be hard to get a clear picture of exactly what she was taking.
Whitney Houston’s death certificate has been released and failed to determine the singer’s cause of death.
The legendary singer’s death certificate is listing “pending investigation” as the manner of death and “deferred” is written for the immediate cause.
While it is known that Whitney Houston drank alcohol and had taken prescription drugs before her death it is still not clear what the exact cause is – and it has been reported it will be hard to get a clear picture of exactly what she was taking.
According to The LA Times: “The Los Angeles County coroner’s office said Wednesday investigators have asked <<a number>> of doctors to provide them with Houston’s medical information.”
L.A. County Sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Opferman told LA Times: “Celebrities often get their prescription drugs from doctors who are more than willing to give them what they want and sometimes using members of their entourage.”
Whitney Houston’s death certificate has been released and failed to determine the singer’s cause of death
Whitney Houston’s funeral will take place on Saturday at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ, which is the same place her father is buried.
The funeral will be broadcast by The Associated Press and will allow fans to pay their own tributes from home on the television and web.
There will be no public memorial service and pastor Marvin L Winans, who will be giving a eulogy said the family didn’t want “a parade”.
“I don’t think knowing Cissy (Houston’s mother) and the Houston family … it was a matter of public or private as it was this is my daughter, this is my sister, this is my mother, this is my friend and we want to do this with dignity.”
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