The estate of Whitney Houston has formally rejected a claim made by Oprah Winfrey that the singer fell off stage during a 1991 concert due to drug use. In a statement released Thursday, the estate called Winfrey's assertion "unequivocally false" and provided medical records and eyewitness testimony to support its position.
Oprah's Claim During Interview
During a recent episode of her talk show, Winfrey recounted an incident where Houston allegedly fell off stage at a concert in 1991, attributing the fall to cocaine use. Winfrey stated, "She was so high she didn't even know she was falling." The comment quickly circulated on social media, prompting the Houston estate to respond.
Estate's Response and Evidence
The estate's statement emphasized that Houston's fall was caused by a combination of dehydration and a faulty stage platform, not substance abuse. According to medical records from the time, Houston was treated for exhaustion and dehydration after the incident. Eyewitnesses, including stage crew and band members, corroborated that the stage had a known structural issue that day.
"Whitney Houston's legacy is one of extraordinary talent and grace," the estate said. "Fabricated stories that diminish her achievements are hurtful to her family and fans. We urge Ms. Winfrey to correct the record."
Broader Context of Houston's Struggles
Houston publicly battled substance abuse later in her career, and her death in 2012 was ruled an accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use as contributing factors. However, the estate maintains that the 1991 incident was not drug-related. The singer had a history of collapsing from exhaustion during tours, and the fall occurred during a particularly grueling schedule.
Winfrey's Team Responds
A representative for Oprah Winfrey declined to comment on the estate's statement, but sources close to Winfrey suggest she stands by her recollection. The talk show host has previously spoken about Houston's drug use in interviews and her book, but this specific claim has drawn sharp criticism.
Impact and Reactions
Fans and music historians have weighed in, with many supporting the estate's version. Social media has been divided, with some accusing Winfrey of sensationalism. The Houston estate has threatened legal action if the claim is repeated without retraction. As of now, no lawsuit has been filed, but the estate says it is "exploring all options to protect Whitney's name."
