In "Protecting Whitney: The Memoir of Her Bodyguard," David Roberts unveils the challenges and pressures that marred Whitney Houston's life and career, The US Sun reported.
David Roberts, who was Whitney Houston's bodyguard for seven years, witnessed firsthand the complexities and dangers that fame brought into Houston’s life. Roberts, whose experiences inspired Kevin Costner's role in the beloved film "The Bodyguard," decided to share these truths in a detailed memoir.
His book aims to shed light on his perspective of the events that ultimately led to the singer's tragic demise.
Roberts's connection with Houston was beyond mere professional duty. He cared deeply for her, demonstrated by the struggles he faced in trying to protect her from the destructive influences around her.
Houston’s life was constantly under the scrutiny of both her massive fanbase and the invasive eyes of the entertainment industry, which sadly included enablers who did not have her best interests at heart.
While Roberts's role was primarily to ensure Houston’s physical safety, he found himself helpless against the grip of drug addiction that held her. His close relationship with Houston was further strained during a hotel brawl in 1991, where he was accidentally injured by Houston with a bottle, highlighting the chaotic environment surrounding her.
Roberts was particularly disturbed by the environment that facilitated Houston's drug abuse. Despite recognizing the urgency of her situation, he faced resistance from music industry advisers who insisted on maintaining her public image rather than sending her to rehab.
This decision, driven by a fear of tarnishing her reputation, thwarted any potential early intervention that might have altered the course of her life.
Houston, a celebrated icon with over 170 million records sold and six Grammy Awards, suffered from drug dependencies that were kept away from the public eye. Regularly, her substance abuse occurred secretly, typically alone in her hotel suite or home, further complicating any attempts to intervene.
In 1995, Houston suffered an overdose while filming "Waiting to Exhale," but instead of securing the necessary medical help, her team chose to cover it up to avoid scandal. Roberts found these practices deeply troubling, fueling his decision to formally express his concerns about the negative influences in Houston's entourage through a letter to her lawyers—a move that eventually led to his dismissal.
Throughout his tenure, Roberts dealt with various threats against Houston, from obsessed fans to dangerous confrontations, including an incident involving autograph seekers who clashed with Houston and her brother. These threats extended beyond physical safety, as Houston also attracted attention from high-profile admirers like Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy.
Houston’s personal life was equally turbulent. Her marriage to Bobby Brown was a significant point of contention.
Roberts recalls a poignant moment when Houston confided in him about her decision to marry Brown, seeking his opinion, which reflects the closeness of their relationship.
Houston's death in 2012, caused by drowning in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel and compounded by heart disease and cocaine use, did not end Roberts's emotional distress. The subsequent death of Whitney’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, from related causes in 2015 reopened old wounds and magnified his grief and frustration.
As Roberts launches his memoir, "Protecting Whitney," now available on Amazon and in bookstores, he reflects on his journey with Houston and the bitter reality of her struggles. His narrative not only commemorates his time with the star but also criticizes those who, in his words, "facilitated Whitney’s ability to do this to herself."
Sharing his deep-seated emotions, Roberts commented on the impact of those who enabled Whitney’s addiction: “My anger and hatred towards those who had facilitated Whitney’s ability to do this to herself was profound.” His memoir serves as both a tribute and a cautionary tale, emphasizing the lethal combination of fame, addiction, and the industry pressures that often accompany them.
