David Roberts / Courtesy of Chicago Review Press
Whitney Houston, a legendary voice of her era, was more than just a global icon. For David Roberts, a former police sergeant turned bodyguard, his journey with her began with a surprising lack of recognition. ”I said, ‘Whitney Houston, who’s he?'” Roberts recalled, reflecting on his initial reaction to being offered the role.
What followed was a six-year partnership that took him across the globe, safeguarding one of the most celebrated artists of all time.Roberts believes his experiences with Houston inspired the 1992 blockbuster film The Bodyguard, starring Houston herself alongside Kevin Costner.
For Roberts, the transition from a quiet farming community in north Wales to the glitzy world of international stardom was nothing short of extraordinary. “It was an eye-opener,” he admitted. “Coming from the Llyn Peninsula, where life is simple, to traveling the world with Whitney—it was surreal.”
Roberts’ dedication to his role was unwavering. “I was prepared to die for her,” he stated, emphasizing the depth of his commitment. His story offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who stood in the shadows of fame, ensuring the safety of a star who captivated millions.
Behind the Scenes with whitney Houston: A Personal Account from Her Former Bodyguard
For over two decades,David,a seasoned police officer turned bodyguard,had the unique privilege of working alongside one of the most iconic voices in music history—Whitney Houston. reflecting on his time with the legendary singer, David, now 72, shared his experiences from his home in Palm Beach, Florida. “It was quite an captivating experience,” he said, describing his role as both challenging and unforgettable.
David’s journey into the world of high-profile security began long before he crossed paths with Houston. He joined the RAF Police in 1968, serving in Northern Ireland before transitioning to the North Wales Police in 1972. His career eventually led him to the Metropolitan Police in London,where he specialized in protecting visiting dignitaries and heads of state. By 1988, he had retired as a sergeant, but his expertise soon caught the attention of the entertainment industry.
It was during this time that David was tasked with ensuring the safety of Whitney Houston, a global superstar whose voice and presence captivated millions. Houston, who tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, left an indelible mark on the music world, selling over 200 million records worldwide.Her performances, like the one at the 2004 World music Awards in Las Vegas, showcased her unparalleled talent and charisma.
Now,25 years after his time with Houston,David has penned a book detailing his experiences. The memoir offers a rare glimpse into the life of the singer behind the spotlight, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs she faced. “It was quite an interesting experience,” David reiterated, emphasizing the unique bond they shared during their years working together.
For fans of Whitney Houston, david’s account provides a fresh perspective on the woman behind the music. His stories not only highlight her extraordinary career but also humanize a figure frequently enough seen as larger than life. As the world continues to celebrate Houston’s legacy, David’s memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the person she was—both on and off the stage.
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In 1988, while stationed at the American embassy in London, a diplomat had the privilege of meeting Whitney Houston shortly after her arrival in the UK. Reflecting on their encounter, he described her as a “most complex, educated, bright, shy young lady.”
“I was singularly impressed,” he recalled.”Her beauty was outstanding, even after the long flight from New York to London.”
Before the meeting, his daughter had briefed him on Houston’s rising career, prompting him to purchase some of her music. Listening to her songs, he was struck by her extraordinary talent. “She had the voice of an angel, clearly,” he said.
This memorable encounter took place years before Houston’s iconic role in The Bodyguard,where she starred alongside Kevin Costner. The film’s premiere in November 1992 became a defining moment in her career,as she walked the red carpet with Costner and his wife,Cindy,all dressed in elegant black formal wear.
Whitney Houston’s legacy as a singer and actress continues to inspire millions worldwide.Her timeless voice and magnetic presence remain etched in the hearts of fans, making her one of the most celebrated artists of all time.
From the moment they met, David and Whitney Houston “got on famously.” What began as a three-month security assignment quickly evolved into a long-term professional relationship, with David eventually becoming the director of security for Whitney’s Far East tour. Reflecting on his time working with the iconic singer, David shared, “I can’t imagine a high-profile personality in so much demand being easier to look after.”
During the tour, Whitney spent much of her downtime in her hotel room, often on the phone with her then-boyfriend, comedian Eddie Murphy. David described Murphy as “just as funny off stage as he is on stage, a great chap, I like him.”
David also witnessed Whitney’s relationship with singer Bobby Brown, whom she married in 1992. Despite widespread skepticism about the marriage’s longevity, the couple stayed together for 15 years. “It’s remarkable to me it lasted as long as it did,” David remarked. He recalled the wedding day, saying, “In fact, the day of the wedding, all the people who were involved in the security there said, ‘OK guys, we’ll be back here next year for the divorce party.’ We really did not think it would last,and yet she proved us all wrong.”
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Whitney Houston,the iconic singer whose voice captivated millions,shared a unique bond with her personal bodyguard,Kevin Costner. Their connection was so profound that words frequently enough became needless. “I got to know her to the extent that there was very little need for conversation when we were out in public,” Costner recalled. He could read her thoughts with just a glance, sensing her needs or when it was time to leave a crowded space. “I’d feel a tug on the back of my jacket, and I knew we had to go,” he said.
This deep understanding, Costner explained, is a hallmark of the relationship between a protector and the person they guard. ”There is always that level of synergy between the protector and the protectee,” he noted. During their time together,Costner would frequently enough check Houston into hotels under the alias Rachel Marron,the name of the character she later portrayed in the iconic film The Bodyguard.
While the movie depicted a romantic relationship between their characters, Costner clarified that their real-life dynamic was far from it. “I was more like a kindly uncle to her,” he said. Despite the fictionalized romance, Costner’s dedication to Houston was unwavering. When asked if he would have sacrificed his life for her, his response was resolute: “Of course,” he stated. “If I did my homework wrong, if I got the threats assessment or the risk management or the readiness wrong, then yes, I would have paid for that.”
Costner’s reflections offer a glimpse into the profound trust and respect that defined their relationship. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, their bond was rooted in mutual understanding and an unspoken commitment to each other’s safety and well-being.
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Whitney Houston’s unparalleled talent and magnetic presence made her a global icon,but her fame also attracted a darker side of fandom. During her Far East tour, her security team identified approximately 50 fans who posed potential threats. these weren’t just admirers; they were individuals whose obsession crossed into dangerous territory.
David, a member of Houston’s security team, recalled the challenges of managing such extreme behavior. “the obsessed fans weren’t content with simply seeing her or being near her—they wanted a piece of her,” he explained.”That’s when things became incredibly taxing from a security standpoint.”
One particularly unsettling case involved a fan who filled reams of toilet paper with disturbing, mentally unstable messages. Another incident occurred in Australia, where a man sent Houston his soiled underwear and socks. This same individual later claimed he would attend her Sydney concert, providing his seat number and declaring his intention to rush the stage during her performance of ”Greatest Love of All.”
“He said he was going to take her to meet his mother in heaven,” David recounted. The security team took no chances,surrounding the man with undercover officers throughout the show. Despite the ominous threat, the concert concluded without incident. “He didn’t move,didn’t show any emotion,” David said. “When she finished singing, he stood up, walked out, and we never heard from him again.”
These stories highlight the immense pressures and risks faced by celebrities like Houston, whose stardom often came with a price. While her six Grammy Awards and countless accolades cemented her legacy, the challenges of navigating fame’s darker side remain a poignant reminder of the complexities of life in the spotlight.
For many, the allure of fame and fortune seems irresistible. But for those who’ve lived it, the reality can be far more complex. david, a close observer of Whitney Houston’s life, once reflected on the high price of stardom after witnessing the singer’s journey firsthand.
“It was patently obvious to me from the very beginning that that level of fame is too expensive a price to pay,” David remarked. His words echo a sentiment frequently enough overlooked in the glitz and glamour of celebrity culture. Houston, one of the most iconic voices of her generation, struggled to find normalcy amidst the chaos of her global fame.
David noted that the only moments of peace Houston experienced were when she was surrounded by loved ones or secluded in a hotel room. “Otherwise, nothing was normal,” he said. This glimpse into her life reveals the isolating nature of fame,where even the simplest joys of everyday life become elusive.
But the toll of fame wasn’t limited to Houston alone. David admitted that his years of following her around the world “came at a cost” to him as well. When pressed about whether this cost affected his personal relationships, he responded cryptically, leaving much to the inventiveness.
Whitney Houston’s marriage to Bobby Brown, which lasted 15 years, was frequently enough under the spotlight. The couple, pictured here with their daughter bobbi Kristina in 1994, faced numerous challenges, both personal and public. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that come with living life in the public eye.
As David’s reflections suggest, the pursuit of fame is not without its sacrifices. For every moment of adoration, there’s a hidden struggle—a price paid in privacy, relationships, and sometimes, even personal well-being. It’s a lesson that resonates deeply in today’s world, where the dream of stardom continues to captivate countless young minds.
In 1995, the professional relationship between a former security expert and the legendary Whitney Houston came to an unexpected end. Reflecting on his time working with the iconic singer, he described witnessing her “gradual but obvious deterioration” during their final nine months together. While he never directly observed drug paraphernalia, he frequently saw Houston in moments of emotional turmoil, which deeply concerned him.
“There was a problem that needed to be addressed by those who cared for her, not just the family and friends, but the executives who were making millions from exploiting her to the extent that they did,” he stated. despite his concerns, the prevailing attitude at the time was that seeking rehabilitation would harm Houston’s reputation and career. “The general consensus was that Houston could not possibly go to rehabilitation as it would be detrimental to her reputation and career,” he explained.
When he raised these concerns, he was met with a definitive response. “I was told, ‘Miss Houston has decided she’s not going to travel internationally anymore, so she doesn’t need someone of your expertise, but if ever she decides to travel again, we will call you,'” he recalled.This marked the end of his role in her life. “So that was the end of that,” he said. “That was technically my swan song, that was the bullet that I did take for her.”
This poignant account sheds light on the challenges faced by those close to Houston during a turbulent period in her life. It also highlights the challenging balance between personal well-being and professional demands in the world of entertainment. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental and emotional health,even in high-pressure environments where reputations and careers are at stake.
Whitney Houston, the iconic voice of a generation, tragically passed away at the age of 48 in February 2012. Her death occurred in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,where she was found unresponsive. The official cause of death was ruled as accidental drowning, exacerbated by the effects of cocaine use and underlying heart disease.
David, her former bodyguard, reflected on the loss with profound sadness. “It hurt. It was dreadful,” he shared. “You get over the initial shock,and then the anger takes over because it shouldn’t have been.”
Three years later, tragedy struck again when Bobbi Kristina brown, Houston’s only child with R&B singer Bobby Brown, was found unresponsive in a bathtub at her Georgia home.She remained in a coma for six months before passing away in July 2015. The parallels between mother and daughter’s deaths were haunting, leaving fans and loved ones devastated.
David fondly recalled moments from Houston’s life, including the joy she felt when she first held her newborn daughter. “I remember Whitney being wheeled out of the delivery room with Bobbi in her arms,” he said. “As Bobbi grew, I watched her run around, full of life, playing games. It was heartbreaking to see how it all ended.”
in the wake of these losses, David found solace in the belief that Houston, her daughter, and her parents were finally at peace. “The only comfort I have is knowing that Whitney, her father, her mother, and Bobbi are reunited in a place where no one can hurt them anymore,” he said.
To cope with his grief, David penned a memoir titled Whitney: The Memoir of Her Bodyguard. He explained, ”I wrote the book to dissipate the anger I’ve carried sence her death. The entertainment industry is a beast. It demands the impossible. You take a young woman in her early twenties, make her a global star, and expect her to produce ten albums in five years. where is the time for a normal life? There isn’t any.”
David’s words shed light on the darker side of fame.”The industry sees you as part of a money-making machine,” he said. “And that’s what Whitney was—a cog in that machine.”
Whitney Houston’s legacy remains a testament to her unparalleled talent, but her story also serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of stardom. her music continues to inspire millions, even as her untimely death reminds us of the human cost behind the glitz and glamour.
How did the pressures of fame and the toll it takes on mental and emotional health contribute to Whitney Houston’s struggles?
2012,leaving the world in shock and mourning. Her untimely death at the age of 48 was a tragic end to a life marked by unusual talent, immense fame, and profound struggles. The headlines that followed, such as “Whitney dead” and “Queen of pop dead,” captured the collective grief of fans and the music industry alike.
Whitney Houston’s legacy is one of unparalleled vocal prowess and timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest love of All,” and “I Wanna dance with Somebody.” Yet, her story also serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of fame, the toll it can take on mental and emotional health, and the importance of addressing personal struggles in a supportive and compassionate manner.
David’s reflections on his time with Houston offer a rare, intimate glimpse into the challenges she faced behind the scenes. His account underscores the need for a more empathetic approach to the well-being of those in the spotlight, emphasizing that fame and success often come at a steep cost. As the world continues to celebrate her music and legacy, it is equally important to remember the human behind the icon and the lessons her life imparts about the complexities of stardom.
