Coming on the heels of the universally panned Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, Lifetime admittedly did a far better job of portraying iconic singer Whitney Houston in their recent unauthorized biopic. Focusing primarily on her relationship with troubled bad boy Bobby Brown over the course of five years, it also sought to clear the air on their alleged drug use, showing Houston as the one who first introduced Brown to cocaine.
Though Angela Bassett received praise for her TV directorial debut, Houston’s family stood against the project; resulting in Deborah Cox being brought in to provide the vocals as Houston’s voice was not allowed to be used.
In a statement penned by her sister-in-law Pat Houston: “If you watch this movie, watch it knowing that Lifetime is notorious for making bad biopics of deceased celebrities and brace yourself for the worst. You should not be surprised that someone decided to do a made for TV biopic. And, I might add, without the family’s blessing and despite her mother’s request to not do this movie. It happens every day.”