|
February 14th, 2012
09:58 AM ET
Chaka Khan speaks on Clive Davis partyChaka Khan is criticizing Clive Davis for continuing to host his pre-Grammys gala at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, although Whitney Houston had died there hours before. "I thought that was complete insanity," she said on "Piers Morgan Tonight" Monday. "And knowing Whitney, I don't believe she would've said, the show must go on. She's the kind of woman who would've said, 'Stop everything, I'm not going to be there.' The Los Angeles Times reports that Davis, who gave Houston a record deal and became her mentor, told the crowd gathered that the 48-year-old deceased legend would've wanted the party to go on.
"I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life," Davis told the somber attendees on Saturday, according to the Times. "She was so looking forward to tonight, even though she wasn't scheduled to perform...Whitney was a beautiful person and a talent beyond compare...She gave so many memorable performances over the years. Simply put, she would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on." Khan disagrees, and says she too was supposed to attend, but couldn't pull herself together. "I don't know what could motivate a person to have a party in the building where the person, whose life he had influenced so enormously, and whose life had been affected by hers...I don't understand how that party went on." The singer Brandy, who was supposed to perform with Monica that evening, was similarly shaken and had to pull out of her performance. "I'm in a bad place right now," the singer, who also co-starred with Houston in 1997's "Cinderella," told Us Weekly in a statement. "My heart is destroyed. I lost my idol and dear friend. My prayers go out to Whitney's family and her millions of fans around the world." Watch Piers Morgan Live weeknights 9 p.m. ET. For the latest from Piers Morgan click here.
« Previous entryBack to bad habits on 'Luck'
 |
  About this blog
Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.  |
Hi there, just changed into alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I'll be grateful in the event you proceed this in future. Lots of people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
It's perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I could I wish to counsel you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
You know thus significantly when it comes to this topic, made me in my opinion consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women don't seem to be fascinated except it's one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent. At all times care for it up!
This is very interesting, You're a very professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and sit up for in search of extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks
Normally I don't read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.
I agree with you totally Chaka. But, my prayers go out to the Houston family because they have lost a daughter, Mother and friend. Hollywood is full it, because it seems that everyone is trying to cover up that Whitney, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Keith Ledger and others had substance abuse problems. We can preach to people with this problems all day and night but it's starts with them to end substance abuse. Just as Michael Jackson said, "I am starting with the man in the mirror, I am asking him to change to his ways"
THE ONLY THING YOU REMEMBER ABOUT HER IS HER NAME...OTHERWISE...SHE RECORDED 3 SONGS 30 YEARS AGO. PLEASE.
It is not too soon to write about Whitney's demons. No matter what the autopsy reveals, we lost our great beauty with the greater voice too soon because she never won her decades long battle with addiction. The public came to know of her problems when she married Bobby Brown. But music industry insiders, especially those close enough to know her as “Nippy”, knew she'd had a problem with cocaine from the beginning. Insiders always recognized that she was more Newark Black church girl than the debutante image that was paraded before the press. Away from the cameras, she swore like a sailor and partied with hard drugs. Her dysfunction could barely be hidden in her long marriage and she and her husband made decisions (such as starring in “Being Bobby Brown” a Sid and Nancy style reality show Houston later came to regret) that exploited, rather than treated their addictions.
ebony magazine online Twitter@dreamhampton
I'M SICK OF HEARING BOBBY BROWN IS TOO BLAME...SHE HAD THE POWER AND THE MONEY TO STOP THE LIFE STYLE. END OF STORY.
ALL HER FRIENDS WERE WATCHING HER DRINK THOSE LAST FEW NIGHTS..DID ANYONE STEP IN AND SAY THAT'S ENOUGH DRINKING WHITNEY....I HAVE A FORMER ALCHOLIC FRIEND ...WHEN HE COMES TO MY HOUSE WE OFFER NO LIQUOR AT MY PARTIES OUT OF RESPECT FOR HIM TO REMAIN SOBER...THAT'S RIGHT NO LIQUOR WHEN OUR FRIEND IS AT OUR PARTIES....
"Being Bobby Brown" was for Bobby, not Whitney. He needed the publicity/money. She didn't. Also "Newark Black church girl" or "debutante image" she deserved respect from, if no one else, her husband.
In her interview with Oprah, Whitney said that one time during one of their altercations when they were married, Bobby Brown spit on her. She repeated it almost in a whisper, "He spit on me." It was obvious that she was still as devastated as she had been when he did it. I can't even wrap my brain around how a human being could willfully spit on another human being, let alone your wife and mother of your children. I believe Bobby Brown is seriously messed up and should have been treated for mental illness long before he met Whitney. It was her misfortune to be snared by his sickness. R.I.P. Whitney. It's over now.
first i would like to give my condolences to whitneys loved ones bobby, bobbie kristina, cissy, dion . i have self medicated also and got through it with a lot of help from people who knew how to help you until you could help self.i have become very spiritual not religious now. and the higher spiritual level i reach i look around and look down at the maggots moving about pretending to care. chaka and natalie know what it is like we can't help whitney so let us start an organization run by x dope fiends in every city in the world named after whitney . we owe her that. all she has given
In my opinion, Clive Davis did the right thing ! The GRAMMYS were about entertertainers who traveled from different places in the world, as well as frok the east coast. Those persons had spent money on their travel, hotel, as well as the clothig that was purcahsed especially for that occassion ! With the economy as tight as it is, no one could afford to cancel on ANYTHING ! Not even Clive, afterall this was business as far as he is concerned. since Whitney had done some partying, earlier, then I do believe that she would have wanted the After-Grammy patry to go on ! As the saying goes, " THE SHOW MUST GO ON ! " All of those, who were friends and family, did the right thing by not attending the party ( how coud they, since they were grieving ? ), but the rest of the people who attended the party, probably had no close ties / relationship to Whitney, and they probably were not her fas either ! So, what did THEY care ? I think that Chaka Khan can do a tribute for Whitney Houston, next year, at the GRAMMYS, which will be about a year, from Whitney's death! My prayers and codolences go out to the family, especially her daughter and mother ! Losing your mother, at any age is HARD ! I lost my mother, when I was 51 years old, and my heart has been in pain, for 12 years !
Carolyn W. This was not the Grammy's! This was a pre-party the day before the Grammy's. What are you talking about? Are you being paid to say this? This was racist, disrespectful, evil act of Clive Davis. It is unforgiveable; and was the most shocking thing ive ever witnessed in my lifetime on such a public venue. My God dancing and drinking while a dead body lays 4 floors above? It wasn't the Grammy's it could have been cancelled very easily. If it was your Daughter would you have wanted the party to continue? Ask yourself this question. If your dead daughter was lying in your house, and had just died, and you had a party planned that night are you telling me you would have the party still? Why are so many people defending something that is so clearly immoral? what does that say about our country? This was immoral to carry out a party while a dead body lay in state in the same premises. Period. It cant be defended. You cant defend murder because it's immoral...this is the way you have to look at it if you are defending Clive Davis and be honest with yourself.
I was my mothers only child. I lost my mother recently. I cannot fathom what her daughter is going through. I miss my mother but in that moment of loss no one absolutely no one understand that desolation. No matter what no one can love you like a good mother can. Whitney loved her daughter. I remember when I found out my mother died I cannot imagine anyone asking me If they could continue with a party. Please do a toxicology test on Clive davis , that is the act of someone under the influence. The lady was still in the room her daughter was in the hall way crying for her mother trying to see her in shock....Party, really party ....that his what he is thinking . Lett me say this even in customs where people have wakes it is not done within minutes of finding out your"daughter" is dead. All I can say I dont understand it What did he say" Hey Cissy I am so sorry about Whitney. Do you want me to cancel the party? ...Hey Bobbi Kristina stop crying baby do you think i should cancel the party? I think he took their tears to mean on with the show
Carolyn, Just suck it up and admit you're wrong.
I agree with Chaka. Clive Davis should have cancelled event.
I agree with Chaka,but however Whitney,and Michael were just an eyeopener to all of us.Letting us into a world that has existed behind fame since its beginning. The money is an attraction to the leeches who prey upon them. Bobby is'nt to blame because he fell pray just like Whitney. There should be more investigation into these doctors who are feeding it to them. And yes everyone is responsible for themselves but when your under the ifluence of a substance and you arent able to be a cognitive thinker they take advantage. I just pray That their at peace!
Very sad all around....but someone should have locked Whitney up and thrown away the key for a year...doesn't matter how much money she has, a talented life is now dead, the enablers can only wish they had done this ,that and the other...I also think Chaka is wrong ...the show has to go on, Whitney threw her life away, we can all be sad and still continue with our daily lives..
That’s so sad, how could he have a good time with her still up there. You would thing he would of been so sad but no! That’s a little selfish. He said he loved her? But lets party!
That’s so sad, how could he have a good time with her still up there. You would thing he would of been so sad but no! That’s a little selfish. He said he loved did her? But lets party!
THAT'S BUSINESS. DEAL WITH IT. I AGREE WITH SOME OF THE OTHER REVIEWS...SHE'S DEAD NOW GOD REST HER SOUL..SHE EMBARRASSED CLIVE DAVIS WHEN SHE DID THAT STUPID REALITY SHOW WITH BOBBY BROWN, A TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT TO HIM AND HIS ORGANIZATION. AND MOSTLY HERSELF.
CHAKA GO AWAY.
CUT THE DRAMA CHAKA...
This is a reality bites moment – I am certain everyone invited wasn't from LA – and a good many of them would have showed, cancelled or not because they didn't get the word in time – and, really – was there more mourning going on or celebrating – if they didn't know before they got there, they found out after – do ya think a good time was had by all?
Why does everyone pretend to know what the deceased would have wanted? Everyone grieves in their own way and time. Chaka – just because you couldn't pull it together doesn't mean Clive Davis had to attempt to undo a huge bash just hours before it was scheduled to begin. I don't see anything wrong with plans going as scheduled yet using that platform to honor Whitney. Had it been a direct relative: mate/parent/child/sibling – then, yes, you cancel what you can and what you can't you simply hand over to someone else to take care of. Let's not start passing judgement on others simply because they choose to do things differently
Whitney we love you my prayers go out to family and Bobbi Kris most of all they were like peanut butter and jelly. To have a relationship with your mother like that was a blessing. I pray she finds Jehovah as her comforter and peace. The world will be watching but I hope and pray you continue to bloom into that beautiful flower I know your mother would have wanted you to be. Don't let them bring you down.
IAt first, I couldn't decide whether I thought the party should've gone on or not. Finally, I realized that Clive was right. Whitney would've wanted them to continue. The invitations had already gone out and nearly everyone was there. However, in light of her death, it shoud've been toned down and turned into a time for reflection on her and the other singers and entertainers that we lost recently. I don't think they should've celebrated while she was lying dead in another part of the hotel. I agree with Chaka. That was in bad taste.
I would have cancelled the party simply out of respect.
To me, in my non-Hollywood lifestyle, iIt would have been the most appropriate response after the death of one so close and dear.
However, in Hollywood, "the show must go on," and that is exactly what happened.
My condolences to Bobby and Bobbi Kristina, Whitney's mom, the folks Whitney loved and the ones who loved her right back unconditionally and her true fans. I pray she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ right now in blissful peace.
Clive Davis was going to cancel the party but Whitney's family insisted that he go on with the party and it was re-vamped to be a celebration in Whitneys honor...
I'm upset at everyone, I;m upset that Clive didn't shut the party down, she was his meal ticket, not the only but the best! I'm mad at Bobby because he was the cause of so much pain in her life, by the way she said on Oprah Bobby did give her the first hit of her first "hard drug" weed doesn't count. She was a good girl, watch her video "dance with somebody" she can't dance with anybody cause she's scared to shake it. I'm mad at Whitney cause she was to beautiful and to talented to be so desperate to be in love with someone, because truly how can you be with someone like Bobby if you just want to be in love. As a smart girl every girl should feel if Bobby came up to them and said I will love you forever and pay all your bills if you marry me, even the goldest of diggers would reject his advances. Whitney should of left the first time he slapt her around and she had to take pain killers to just get out of bed. Listen Ladies, be strong and learn from the diva, only you can save you. She drowned because no one was watching her, because she was so tired of partying so hard for reasons I don't know..... But her body was so beaten up from drug abuse and a broken heart that she couldn't wake up and save her own life. God Bless you lil Bobbi God bless you fans and to Bobby, don't fall deeper into the abyss but love your daughter now for you and Whitney. It's not to late to save your life Bobby.. God bless.
RIP Whitney Houston, lovely bird I hope our prayers are heard. Be with Jesus where you can sing his name.
Let's not forget several important points and loose track of reality. Whitney was a junkie. She was born to a musical family with connections in the industry that most people only dream of having AND with an amazing gift AND CHOOSE to throw it all away by making MANY bad decisions. She KNEW what she was doing to herself. Nobody will ever know for sure but it seems like she orchestrated this on a night when it would get an incredible amount of attention. She SHOULD have thought about her family. Alot of artists attending the event deserved to have their moment so why should she have the right to cast a shadow over any and all Grammy events. When Chaka said that everyone should have had dinner at the event and go home was entirely selfish on HER part. Chaka Khan had her moment in the sun. I am proud of Clive Davis for standing up and acting like the leader in the recording industry that he has always been. It's tough to make decisions that aren't popular with everyone. He decided to recognize his stable of current and past artist. Don't they deserve something?
Whitney, R.I.P.
Cancelling the party = would have cost Mr. Davis and friends TONS of money and time.
But hey, Whitney just lost her LIFE.
Had he lost the tons of money, he can still wake up the morning after and see himself and his loved ones.
Whitney cannot do that anymore ...whatever she was in her life.....she just passed on to another place.
That is why we give respect and mourn those who pass on.
My impression of Mr. Davis is his ego supersedes anything else even common sense. The proper thing to do would have been either to delay or cancel this party since Houston was still in the hotel. What is wrong with the hotel management?
Dignity and respect during a situation of this magnitude overrides any guest already at or arriving at the hotel. But suffice to say people act strangely during times of death and this is no exception.
Maybe this will be a lesson to the rest of HOLLYWOOD that they can be a superstar but don't control everything.She should have been sent home for her bad, drunk and drug behaviour then everyone else can don't suffer.Boycott Kim for divorce but not Whitney for her drunk,drug and careless behaviour.Where is fairness.Cancell an event just 3 hours before it start is stupid and shame.
THAT'S RIGHT VAN....CLIVE DAVIS SHOULD HAVE SAID GO HOME WHITNEY, WE'LL TALK WHEN YOUR READY TO RECORD AGAIN.
HEY CHAKA: REMEMBER THAT STAR STUDDED REALITY SHOW WITH BOBBY AND WHITNEY? THAT WAS QUALITY TELEVISION AT ITS BEST....THAT WAS A COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT TO CLIVE AFTER ALL HE'S DONE FOR HER....GET LOST...BUSINESS IS BUSINESS–IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HER.
Clive Davis is just like all other record execs. They care only about money, not people.
GOD TOOK HIS ANGEL HOME TO SUFFER NO MORE
I remember Shuckin Corn didnt she sing that song in the 80's????
WHY SHOULD I CANCEL MY PARTY BECAUSE WHITNEY OD? cHAKA I JUST WONT INVITE YOUR FAT ASS NEXT YEAR.
I completely agree with Chaka
It is easy to say that cost doesn’t matter when it is not your millions. If Clive had experienced a family emergency and been unable to attend the event he could simply pass the hosting duties to someone else without cancelling the event. The reality is that Whitney did not even show up for or meet her all her contractual commitments when she was living. L. A. Reid awarded Whitney a 100million dollar contract which still was not an incentive for her to stop doing drugs which were destroying her talent, health, and life. The Entertainment Industry was always very forgiving and generous to Whitney.
I just wanted to tell you I like your name,and you seem like you are very young.
Whitney was a tough Jersey girl before she met Bobby Brown. She wooed him, incidentally, rather than the other way around. That squeaky clean image at the onset of her career was just that, an image, not the real Whitney Houston.
She was a tortured soul with a good-heart from what those close to her report and incredible talent. that is now, I trust, at peace. She will be missed. My heartfelt prayers go out to her family, particularly her daughter.
What interests me is how all of these "stars" are coming from the wood work crying and saying how much they loved her and what an idol she was..BUT yet you rarely saw pictures of any of them together. Reason?? None of them wanted to be be associated in the press with Whitney and her Drugs. Its sad she is gone and I feel for her family and fans. Noone is perfect. If her problems were so bad, where was Brandy, Celine Dion, Chaka Khan and all of these others? They didnt want their images splashed all over TMZ or the networks, its plain and simple, that whole society is plastic and useless.
Cost should not be a factor. I don't believe I could attend or would want to continue the event, I am sure it would be a logistics nightmare to stop a speeding bullet with such short notice. I don't know if Clive's decision was sincere or not, but I see the possibility that the event could have been an good opportunity for her industry friends to provide support to one another. I also don't know if Clive has children but I do believe he would have cancelled the event if it was his daughter. It was a go or no go decision and unless Clive is heartless, his decision making abilities were probably affected by his emotional state.
I thought it was total insanity when the media reports speculated that the event might be cancelled. Of course at the time I did not know what the Hotel scene and atmosphere was like. Clive did the right thing. It is an annual event and he would not have been able to reschedule it. Some people would have probably still showed up even if he had cancelled the event. The hotel had already completed all the preparations and Clive would have lost a large amount of money. Clive is a smart practical business man and it was good business sense and good public relations promotion for the Grammys and Whitney’s estate. Clive’s event and The Grammy Awards Show has generated the most positive media for Whitney’s image. Kudos to Jennifer Hudson for having the strength and courage to fill Whitney and Chaka Khan shoes on the spur of the moment while delivering a brilliant and touching performance at The Grammy Awards Show.
"Clive is a smart practical business man and it was good business sense and good public relations promotion for the Grammys and Whitney’s estate."
I don't think anyone's questioning Clive's business savvy.
It's his apparent lack of heart, sensitivity or loyalty that's the issue here.
He should have sucked up whatever costs or inconveniences canceling the party would have caused. Considering the millions she made for him over the years, I think that's the LEAST he owed her.
And, no, I don't believe for a nanosecond that he received "permission from the family" to continue the party.
If Chaka didnt like them having the party maybe she should of stepped up and paid for all the costs involved in cancelling it. She also could use her ultra smart celebrity brain to fix the logistical nightmare of canceling such an event simply because on has been premadonna choked on her dope in the bath tub.
"she should of stepped up and paid for all the costs involved in cancelling it."
I'm sure Clive could afford the cost.
"She also could use her ultra smart celebrity brain to fix the logistical nightmare of canceling".
lmao: Logistical nightmare?? Seriously? We're talking about canceling a freaking party – not D Day.
I completely agree with Chaka. I think it was highly insensitive of Clive Davis to go on with that party in the same hotel where Whitney had died just hours earlier. He should have cancelled the whole event out of respect for her and the situation. He had such an impact on Whitney's life and had been very close to her. I am floored how he could just turn those feelings off and just go on with his party like it was no big deal.
IT WAS SHOCK THAT THEY CONTINUE TO PARTY. THEY SHOULD BE ******
While the 'party' may not sit very well with most, we have to realize that events like these have been weeks if not months in planning. Attendees and performers were coming from out of town and many were not aware of Ms. Houston's passing until they arrived in town. It was only a few hours – and cancelling the event outright might have been close to impossible.
I have to agree with her on this one. According to the police report, they did not remove Whitney's body from the hotel until close to midnight. Well after the party had begun. Soooooooo, they were downstairs at the party while her body was still in the building upstairs. The event should have been cancelled out of respect for Mrs. Houston.
everyone handles death differently. apparently RICH people can throw away money but if I scheduled a "Party", gathering, get together, a show, or any type of event... and I find out that a loved one died minutes, hours, seconds before the "event" I dont feel I would cancel the event and turn the event into a impromptu memorial for someone, granted the person is in the same hotel... maybe we would have to make and announcement and poll the guest if they wan to continue, but breaking out candles and singing songs of the deceased is NOT what the "event" was about. its a sad situation, but if I spent $2,000 or more traveling to Los Angeles for a specific event I dont want a change in my plans because someone dies when there where several other guests to consider... everyone was not close to this person but the entire world dont stop for one persons death. however, i dont think it was wrong to have the party but I dont think it would have been wrong to cancel it either, its a hard choice that was made.
I agree w/ Chaka. And, what Davis did only proves that the music business is filled w/ cold-hearted SOB's (Davis being one of them). And, I'm sure those of you saying that "Oh, well..the show must go on..." etc, would be OK w/ partying continuing to go on in the same hotel that a loved one of YOURS JUST died in (especially a party where ppl who say that they love and care about YOUR loved one were attending), right? Man, some of you ppl are so evil (and stupid). Also, I did not see the CNN interview w/ Chaka but, I know goodness well, she did not say that the fondest memory she had of Whitney was when she and her were getting high. I think you ppl are making that crap up.
I was amazed at how low-key the press handled Whitney's death because it was Grammy week-end. Like "We'll exploit that news when the awards show is over." Even Entertainment Tonight hosts reported the news like "Oh well, back the the exciting Grammy countdown."
I agree with Chaka, it was disrespectful to continue the show. Chaka is looking good, a sight for sore eyes. As for Bobby Brown no chance for no blame holmes. When a man indulges in hard drugs with his wife and mother of his child he is at least responsible for contributing a weak minded environment, and yes he injured his family as a result.
It's show business. Show business always goes on. important people are their to meet people who need big breaks in their careers. Personally I think Whitney would have wanted things to go on as always. I understand Chaka's feelings but she was a lot closer to whitney and slightly traumatized but many others were not and still need that big break with an opportunity that happens only once a year. I'm sure prayers were in every ones hearts.
I agree with Chakha Khan.
Excuse me!!!!!! If he had cancelled the party, food would have been wasted, the help would not be paid, trying to notify all the people, etc. etc., what would cancelling accomplish. I sorry the lady is gone, I'm sorry for her family, I'm sorry that she wasn't strong enough to fight her demons. Clive Davis was not being disrespectful. For that matter I guess they should have cancelled the Grammys. Why not celebrate her life.
Disrespectful. I cannot think of how he went on with the party with her lifeless body in the premises. How? There will be more parties for him in the coming years. Why can't they give her some respect...say what he had to say and then call it a night. Let it be a moment for everybody to mourn for her. She has known him since she was12 ... Can't he give up one night of party?
Mylady wud the party still go on if it was your family or friend upstairs dead???? thats disrepectful to her memory and to her family... he could have just cancelled.
Chaka don't want that. Chaka mad!
clive said that whitney would hav wanted the party to go on. That could hav been true but im sure she would have wanted her body to have been removed first and. and for him to have been her mentor and all the millions she earned him he sould have cancelled the party... and all the guest that showed up just lost a fan.
I can respect both sides... She has a right to her opinion and she would have handled it differently... But remember – she and other Whitney friends and family where not the only ones invited. And according her and others, her death was expected. Tough call. I would have still had the party. The show must go on...
I think Clive should have taken the opportunity to thank everyone for coming but just served dinner and send everyone home after saying a prayer for Whitney and her family
This is really sad that Clive decided to party instead of cancelling this event, while Whitney's body was laying the bathroom floor for 7 hours. I do not like Clive anymore. Chaka Khan thank you for addressing the truth.
Chaka, come with me to Weight Watchers.
She could pay for someone to do her workouts for her.
Mr. Payola, Clive Davis! Politics, connections, power, yet, underneath it all, PAYOLA.
Radio played his songs on his label because he payed for it. Whiteny, Chaka, are all one of a kinds. Didn't need his help from a financial "fix" but others did, and did he pay! He should be investigated. Probably be able to pay off our national debt.
Whitney, you are missed. May God Bless your family.
Honey... get your facts straight. I worked for the label that was caught for that... With the talent he had – he didnt have to fall back on payola
I can't blame payola. Clive was known for coss over success. Cross over success can take the heart and soul out of our music. That was the cause of her demise. Not payola, not Bobby Brown. Cross Over success took her heart.
He definitely should have cancelled but then again, Houston was not present when Davis was honored and we really don't know what their relationship was like; Houston was often volatile. But what is she doing on Piers (tabloid) Morgan anyway?! No one should go on his show.
Yes we actually do know what their relationship was like because of all the interviews and visitations prior to her death. One such occasion, days before her death, Davis was sitting down with Brandy. Whitney comes in giving him a warm hug saying "that's my dad!" and that he's BK's god father. So, we do know what their relationship was, it was filmed, he was like a father to her.
First thing everyone wants to do is jump to conclusions....Including Tony Bennet. SMH..... I can tell you from personal experience ..... you cannot mix an antidepressant, a glass of champagne and an antibiotic for a throat infection without adverse consequences. I would not call that an overdose, just carelessness. The celebratory environment and no sharp eyes are to blame. I wish that someone that knew that was there..
What she took just before she died is not as relevant as the amount of abuse her body took from years of drug-alcohol use.
what it took to put her over the tip of the iceberg could have been anything. Cocaine destroys the heart , and a person can have a heart attack days after their last use, for example.
About the party: Man, who would want to go? Unless people felt they needed to be with other people. I am sure there was some grieving going on in that room. And, then, some people just "step over the dead bodies" and go on with their lives.
Clive Davis is Bobbie Kris's Godfather. While she and her DEAD mother were upstairs, Clive Davis and his guests were partying it up. A 5-second moment of silence does NOT a "tribute" make. No wonder Bobbie Kris ended up in the hospital twice. Can you imagine having just experienced such horror and then hearing music blasting downstairs with all of your mother's so-called friends and Godfather partying it up downstairs?
What in the demonic hell have we come to as a society? People are actually defending this sort of behavior? No wonder this country is in such moral decay. Only in America: land of free!
The party should NOT have gone on.
F- it lets party! Crackheads invited!
Yeah!! Chaka comments was too detaiilled,,,common!! Yeah best memomry us three beeing smoking !!!!! OK!!!
I tottally agree with you Seriously!!!
I guess I can understand how Chaka feels. But, it's wrong for her to criticize him, if she doesn't know the story behind why he went on with the party. If, as indicated in a quote of him in the article, he got the OK from her family to procede with the party, then that is what he should have done, and apparently what he did. Whitney's family knew her best, and if they were ok with it, then it doesn't matter what Chaka or anyone else thinks. I suspect Whitney would have been ok with it.
Did you read what you wrote?
What decent human being asks someone who just lost their child/mother/etc. about a FREAKIN' party? And tell me: how would you respond to such a question? "Oh, no worries Clive. The music must go on. It's what Whitney would have wanted."
Are you nuts? I'm sure he told them it would be a "tribute" so they wouldn't be offended, but was what went on really a tribute or an excuse to protect his investment? He said Whitney was like a daugther to him. Would he have continued on if that were his daugther's body upstairs lifeless in a bathtub????
Its clive's party and no one else's. Whether he got the OK from the family or not does not stop him from considering the truth: the event should not have gone on. He made the deicsion ultimately
Chaka's comment on CNN was insane. I understand she was close with Whitney and could not pull herself together, and she has every right to disagree with the party. I thought she was so shaken up over the death and was angry that a party was being held (even though they turned it into a tribute to her). But when asked what was best memory of Houston she said there were so many and chose to tell the story about her, Whitney, and Bobby getting high together. Really??? She is on there complaining about a party but of all the wonderful memories she says she has, she chose the story about getting high and then starts to talk about how much she loves Bobbi Kristina. Bad timing!
I agree with you, that was messed up for Chaka to say her fondest memory of Whitney, was when they were getting high. Even if it was she should have kept that to herself and just made up somethingelse. That really is no better than her claims about Clive continuing the party. Which also makes one wonder how responsible she would be with Bobbi Kristina. That young lady needs alot of prayers. If you thought there were vulchers around Whitney, they are lining up for her daughter. It's all so sad!
I agree with Chaka Khan, Having the event was totally inappropriate and disrespectful! Whitney Houstons dead body was still in the hotel as they partied. Postponing the event and rescheduling the event would have been a bit more tasteful. It makes the industry and people involved seem a bit insensitive and selfish. I guarantee Whitney's daughter would not have approved of this and that is all that matters at this point. Her motherless child. It was a shame and I will never forget this. Clive Davis you proved that Whitney was nothing more than business to you. Alicia Keys, and all of the others who attended should be ashamed of themselves.
The world did not stop nor should it because Ms. Huston died. It is very sad that she has passed but everyone needs to get over them selves and stop thinking they know what Ms. Huston would have wanted. She was a mother, a daughter, and a friend to many. We all lost an amazing entertainer
They both have the right to feel how they felt and to do what they thought was right. They both knew her in different ways. Clive knew the fighter in Whitney that wanted the show to go on. Chaka knew the fighter in Whitney that would say F*** IT! One thing is for sure they both knew her and we didn't so they can feel however they want. I just wish that we could have all seen the fighter in her that would have beat her addictions.
Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammy party is a marketing event aimed at selling more records. By having the party with Whitney lying cold upstairs, he basically told everyone: Back to work, we have music to sell.
cosigning this^.
Agree !
I agree with Chaka; they shouldve canceled. Whitneys body was still upstairs while they had the party. And because of all the extra attention; the coroner wasn't even able to leave. Also, I don't think Whitney would have not attended if she knew someone she loved body was upstairs. But it is what it is. 🙁
And Piers Morgan is a talking head chump to try and protect Clive. He just doing that because he was told to. Clive is very high up in the Elite food chain.
Clive is elite, yes! but after what happened ...... .??
I me myself think it was very distasteful for the party to go on that`s just me.yes Whitney might of wanted the party too go on but being that she`s no longer with us uuuuuuuh i don`t think so come on that was very disrespectful .yeah maybe whitney`s family wanted it but right now i don`t think they are in to good of a shape too have wanted that.Me being a fan just can`t deal with the lost of a great icon such as whitney she will be so missed.
Business is business. What makes you think Clive didn't know she was gonna die in the first place. Sacrifice maybe? Clive into some deep heavy evil stuff that many a sheep would never know or understand. He don't give a crap about Whitney. He about to release all these recordings. Watch and see.
They partied because they dont give a rat's behind.
Yeah. No one likes a party pooper. I bet Whitney doesnt get invited to the next party they have.
Your sarcasm is not needed.
Exactly! These people must be required to leave their humanity at the Hollywood city limit line. Disgusting!
And Radar is reporting that Clive Davis never had "permission" from her family to continue with the party. Can you imagine someone asking you about a freakin' party hours after your loved one dies? Can you even give a coherent response to such a CRAZY question, let alone tell them some BS like "the music must continue"? Oh, Clive...your day is coming...let's see if the music stops for you!
You are being disrespectful. Not funny.
U think bc some1 overdosed and drown the whole world should stop? Ppl die every day. This was a planned event. Y should they cancel every thing bc of whitney houston. Would she want to be the partypooper? I don't think so!
The party went on because half the people there are a bunch of zombies. And Clive is the Elite zombie leader..
@Pliny,
How do you know Chaka didn't try to help Whitney when she was struggling with her addiction? You can't make a full grown adult do anything they don't wanna do.
Did it occur to anyone that perhaps maybe the “party” became an event to remember her by vs. “getting your party on”? Do people really have that limited vocabulary of the word “party”? And why criticize Clive Davis for still hosting the party, people still made the choice to go to it. Is that not considered in bad taste, too? People are so quick to point the finger at someone else by god; no one is pointing the finger at Whitney herself. SHE made the choice to do drugs. SHE made the choice to drink. SHE made her choices in life and SHE had to live with the consequences. Yes, it is a shame that a beautiful talent was lost so young but it was at her own actions. We cannot continue to overlook that fact she made her choices and this is where she ended up in life. It’s a shame but so are many things… it’s time to get over the blame game and remember what a talented woman she was.
And NO, the Grammy’s should not have been rescheduled just because Whitney Houston died. Seriously people!?!?!?!
Okay, so you're criticizing people for criticizing Clive Davis for holding the party in the wake of Whitney's death. Plenty of folks at that event got their party on, and of course some used it to reflect on Whitney. It was certainly a mixed bag. I agree with you about Whitney being responsible for her substance abuse, yet I feel it was inappropriate to have the party in the same hotel where she died just hours before. It doesn't matter that he got her family's approval. There's such a thing as pulling back and being sensitive to the turn of events of that awful day. Cancelling one party isn't the same as rescheduling the Grammys.
I completely agree with you... I also think that people forget that there were others who were invited to this event who were not directly affected by her death. Sad yes, but not affected.
Also, people forget that an addict doesnt think about anyone but themselves and their addictions. I have lost many (and I mean many) friends to addiction. They are only concerned with one thing. It doesnt make their death any easier to take at the time it happens, but in retrospect – it makes the survivors angry. She wasnt thinking about her daughter, family and friends before she took what she did. It breaks my heart to see a young, beautiful person leave the world this way but also makes me so angry too.
Would you party on if a body lays lifeless upstairs?
Chaka,
If Whitney 'meant so much to you for so many years'....why didn't you help her get off the junk?
How do you know she didn't? Some celebrities don't have everything about their lives and what they do out on Front Street. Some folks are more private about their personal relationships than others. Plus, you can't help someone who's not ready to be helped, particularly if that person is going to stay clean and sober. They have to want it for themselves and reach out to their loved ones who have their hands ready to assist.
Actually, Chaka and Natalie Cole had reached out to Whitney over the years for her to get help. Chaka said a few years ago that was why her relationship with Whitney became estranged because of her addictions.
You people r all wrong there's no publicity stunt here with her or MJ they both loved life too much n they would never put their family,fans,and friends thru thay and as for Clive if the family gave the blessings for the show to go on then there u go he aint worrying about no deposit back get a grip people someone lost their life and stop blaming others for what u do
How very sad, she had so many friends who claimed to love her yet they took an addict to party. People wake up and learn about addiction!!! Whitney would've been alive today had you all helped her practice recovery. Shame on you all enabling her by providing all the harmful drugs that ended her life and tortured her more.
Yu sound real crazy!!!
agreed. as i've said before about this tragic death: i want to know who was in the next room: the "standard fare" entourage who want their sugarmama to do drugs, so they can do drugs too? or was it loving, supportive family & friends? i am guessing it was the former group. however i do agree that an addict can be clever and willful, so, whomever was with her, apparently she was where she wanteedtoo be, and with whom.
i believe clive should've cancelled his personal pre-grammys party – my god, her body was still up in her room???? – and further should not even have asked her family their opinion: they were going through something far too important to be disturbed by party questions, and his even bothering them with it shows me his lack of respect for them.
that being said, we are all just being judgmental outsiders, no matter how much we may have adored her from afar.
How do you know Whitney was not at the party? Was you there? You shouldnt believe everything people tell you. This smacks of a publicity stunt to increase album sales. I think she is in Jamaica right now laughing it up at all the money she is going to make of you white fools.
Why does it have to be a white/black thing??? As soon as a "white" person speaks their mind (even if it’s not the consensus) it all of a sudden becomes a racism thing. Ridiculous.....
Seriously, Lammar..........to bring race into this was a very childish, unthoughtful, dis-respectful, thing to say. You have now turned yourself into a 'racist' with a few taps of the keyboard.........that's just-–SAD
i am always amused/dumfounded when somebody bites at a troll's line.
I dont know. I just saw her on the tv this morning. She was alive and kicking. No way she was on tv this morning and dead too. I think it is just a publicity stunt.
IGNORANT, real IGNORANT!!
el o freaking el
whitney, girl, RIP
I believe in celebrating one's life, even after death... Life goes on, so the party must go on. Just my opinion. I don't think anyone meant any disrespect for Whitney – let her rest in peace....
This wasn't a wake or a funeral, whitney just died and her body was still above as they partied. You day and immediately someone throws a party, there would be outrage if it happened with MJ's death. This wasn't a show that must go on, it was a social gathering a mere party. I highly doubt he got permission from her daughter, who is the next of kin. Or Dionne or Cissy who were too busy mourning and likely can't think straight while people took advantage getting them to consign to any ideal.
Some people left the party btw thinking too it was in poor taste. Not to mention the idea of it is sickening and the family vulnerable, which is why the should've cancelled the event. She just died, this was day in advance, or even a day, just hours after her passing. If they truly cared they would break down like Chaka who's known her forever, they were very close, Whitney started background singing for her. She knew her personality, because they have very similar traits and likely the only person that could truly relate to whitney. I trust her judgement more then Clive who stands to gain from her death.
The family wouldn't have the mental will to go through with a party if they were in emotional turmoil that has been reported by numerous sources.Clive wasn't in shock either, it was just crass to have that party as though she were an marginal being who couldn't make clive money anymore Chaka knew what this was about and wasn't going to shy away from the topic. She criticized Clive and not the family as they weren't in position to make rational well intention decisions, and I doubt he got through to those closest to whitney as reported they all were inconsolable and hysterical.
Let her rest in peace and let's pray for her daughter! Be good Kristin!! We love you n stay with your grandmom, and take care of her too!
I SAID CHAKA KAHN SHOULD MIND HER OWN BUSINESS....
Chaka had known Whitney since she was a teen. And she knows the pressures of that business in a way that Whitney's family–even Cissy and Dionne–do not. I'm betting no one ever told Cissy or Dionne that she would be worth more dead than alive–an experience Chaka is intimately familiar with. Family comes to encompass more than just those connected by blood–people like Chaka and Whitney become family with bonds forged by really unique experience; and those are just as meaningful as blood ties. Chaka really cares and spoke from her heart; not to get attention; and her opinion deserves respect.
you are a fool, thats probably why your comment was erased
CANCEL THE PARTY FOR WHAT. WHEN THE PARTY WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER SHE SHE WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING AGAIN.AS FAR AS KHAN AS FORTHAT WHEN I WORK AT THE AIRPORT THEY HAD TO GET A WHEELCHAIR AND WHEEL HER TO THE PLANE IT WAS TO FUNNY SHE WAS DOING DRUGE IN THE BATHROOM NEVER WILL FORGET IT AS LONG AS I LIVE
And you need to get a life, and a heart, apparently!!
Whitney ALWAYS liked to party.
Ain't no way Clive would have gotten his deposit back on tshort notice.
wHAT ?????
While some people couldn't handle being at the party, I think it is a little odd that Khan thinks she knows better than Whitney's family. Mr. Davis received the family's blessing, and it seems more like the party turned into a time to remember Whitney. It seems a little silly to criticize a man who carried out the family's wishes. Some people might have their own opinions on the matter, but to second guess the family is very rude. There are times when you need to just make your own decisions based on how you feel while using a bit of restraint.
Crys, I understand what you're saying, but I disagree. Even if Whitney's family members gave their blessing to Clive to have the party, you have to realize that they're grieving and consumed with their loss. Perhaps they didn't want to inconvenience people regarding a party that was planned and ready to go. I don't know, however, for Clive to have been Whitney's mentor and a driving force in her life since the early 80's, it was still inappropriate to have the party. It doesn't matter that he got the family's blessing. As a man who cared about her and knew her for 30 years, it was his call to say, "Look, so many people are devastated at Whitney's loss, including me, and I cannot have this party in the same building where she just expired." See how easy that was? There were plenty of Grammy events for those who wanted to party hearty anyway. It just seems really creepy and crass that the party went on. There. Where she died.
Opalescence, I totally agree. Really well said. Thank you.
Crys – I agree with Opalescene. For the next week while this story plays out, there are alot of people, including Clive Davis, who will use this to there advantage. Clive Davis kept his party going for purely business reasons. Don't believe the industry cares – it is a business. Chaka is right – people need to step back an make this about the person and tragic event.
we don't know if he rec'd the family's blessing. he says he did,but who knows. and even if he did, it would have been such a short time after her unexpected death, that i doubt if anyone in that family was thinking straight. he made a mistake. it was the wrong thing to do. plus, sony jacked up the prices of houston's songs within 30 minutes of her death. and he's the president of sony. so don't kid yourself here. it was all about him. the public outcry forced sony to lower the prices. pos.
I agree with Chaka it was totally disrespectful to Whitney and her family regardless of what they said. There is such a thing as respect for the dead and especially since she was lying lifeless upstairs is just wrong. No dignity
Totally agree with Chaka. The music industry is pure evil. How Clive could still have the party in the same building as Whitney's lifeless body is beyond reason. Was she a $acrafice ?who knows
I'm waiting for vigilant citizen to implicate it being a BLOOD SACRIFICE
I think the man have a right to do what he wants people.
he may have the right to do as he wants, but doesn't mean it's right.
well all have the right and freedom of choice, but him..she looked up to him, how could you party with the body of your dear friend lying upstairs? he will never see her again and his goes and party's? and it wasn't a tribute if you watch it..he said a brief speech then it was business as usual. that's the problem with hollywood..no loyalty..once you can't do anything for them they throw you away like yesterday's trash..she deserved more..
Of course he has the right to do what he wants, but does that make it right?? If he loved her so much, as he claimed he did, he definitely should have shown more respect to her than he did. The woman was still dead, in the same building as the "party". How could he even think about partying in that atmosphere. I couldn't even image carrying on like that, knowing someone I claim to have loved just died, 4 stories upstairs, in the same hotel. Bulls___!
I find it hard to believe that had the party. I know people see things differently, but to partyI don't knowl I think
the Awards should have been re-schecduled too.
I know it is a little strange to some but I thought they turned the party into a tribute to Whitney. At least that is what they said on CNN. I doubt they were partying but the gala for Clive Davis was turned into a tribute to Whitney.
I agree, it was tacky to still party when her body was still in the building and given their relationship.
I agree, totally!!!!! Not even knowing her personally I was in such shock that I was shaking. An I don't do drugs.
I agree; going through with the party was in bad taste...but that's just my opinon.
beyond tacky.
TACKY, with respect to Clive Davis, is an UNDERSTATEMENT. This woman's body was still in the hotel room and he was having a party. How much $$$ did this loser make off Whitney Houston anyway? If not for anything else, with this thought in mind, he should have cancelled it. As far as Bobby Brown is concerned, he was busy riding on Whitney's coat-tails, such an absolute loser. He's probably performing now (if that's what you call it!) just to support his own drug habit.
If Clive Davis had died, do you think Whitney would have wanted the party to go on???
Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnn!!!!!!
RIP Whitney Houston . I have been a fan from the very start . I pray for your daughter and Mom . I wished you would have never married Bobby Brown – he is a complete loser!
Sorry it wasn't Bobby Browns Fought she was doing drugs way before he came in the picture just not that heavy you don't know anything and will never who are you to Blame get Jesus in your life.
The first thing that came into my mind when I heard of Whitney's passing is that she would probably still be alive if she was still with Bobby Brown. He wasn't the cause of her demise, they were still together as a family a few days before she died, it is obvious that he cares for her. He probably kept her alive and probably saved her from overdosing many times before. In their reality show, it was obvious he tried to take care of her. He is no angel but placing the blame on him, it is not fair at all.
Bobby Brown is not to blame for Whitney Houston's death, or her descent into substance abuse. What a lot of people fail to realize is that Whitney was not naive when she met Bobby. She willingly married him and had a child with him. She could've divorced him any time she wanted if he was such a bad influence on her or bad for her career. Whatever she did, she wanted to do. No one had to twist her arm or force anything up her nose or down her throat. Just like Michael Jackson's death largely being blamed on Conrad Murray, Michael was responsible too for his own demise. I loved Whitney's music and am so sad about her passing, yet let's be real here. Don't place blame where it has no business being.
he may be a loser, but she is the only one responsible for her decisions to abuse drugs and alcohol.
I agree with Chaka Khan, Clive Davis and those that did attend show no respect for Whitney, and they have no Class period. Clive Davis should of thought how he would feel if it was his daughter being treated like that.
A FAN THAT LOVES AND RESPECTS WHITNEY HOUSTON.
She was doing drugs way before Bobby, I agree but, he enhanced her problem and made it worse, that I agree with more. Very Very very Bad influence and a Horrible Husband he was! Period
Wouldn't that be belittling her? She was a grown woman making her own ill-fated decisions. In addition to that they were divorced for several years and she had a off/on relationship with Ray-J – not a squeky clean guy, either. Do you want to blame him, too ? Whitney Houston had a great voice, a great that she – and she alone – did not, maybe even could not, appreciate.
Whitney had to save Bobby. On at least one occasion they were traveling between Atlanta and New Jersey and Bobby was taken to an Emergency Room. Whitney also bailed Brown out financially when she married him including picking up a house in foreclosure that he owned. His physical assault and spitting in her face says it all.
The world doesn't stop cause a crack head dies
VERY BAD TASTE.
It wasn't Bobby Brown's fault. It was Whitney's fault. It never ceases to amaze me how people can turn an ordinary person into some "hero" or "made a difference in the world" kind of person. Ms. Houston was an IMPERFECT human who did what imperfect humans do, she erred in judgment, in her life and it cost her – it cost her, her life. This is truly sad. She is not amazing, she didn't walk on water – she was a woman who could sing a tune, and made millions with that voice but in the end accomplished only that which fame can at times cause. She was a drug addict plain and simple. If Ms. Houston had never risen to fame, she may have lead the same type of life – only she became "famous" and "adored" by people in denial. She did not commit just one sin, please people, she sinned her entire life as WE ALL DO. It's disgusting to see a person give adoration to someone who quite frankly doesn’t deserve it. I feel for her family the way I would feel for an ordinary family who has a family member with a drug issue and died because of it – empathy, sympathy, sorrow. She was an ordinary person who did not treat her fame with that which many celebrities treat it, with appreciation and dignity. I feel for her daughter who will follow in her mother's footsteps. Very sad.