Winfrey stated she begged her audience not to release photographs of the incident, fearing it would “destroy” Houston, and credited them with complying, an outcome she believes would not happen today.
Houston’s estate disputed Winfrey’s account, stating the fall occurred during a soundcheck in a dark area and that the singer was “absolutely not high”.
Pat Houston, Whitney’s longtime manager, corroborated the estate’s statement on Instagram, emphasising the fall was due to stage unfamiliarity and darkness, not drug use.
Whitney Houston, known for hits like “I Will Always Love You”, died in February 2012 at the age of 48, with her struggles with substance abuse having become public in her later career.
