The movie hasn't even been made yet but already the filmmakers behind Lifetime's upcoming Whitney Houston biopic are defending the project against vocal critics, including Cissy Houston, the late singer's mother. American Horror Story's Angela Bassett, who is set to direct the film, faced the criticism head on.
Cissy Houston publicly spoke out back in July, telling Entertainment Tonight the film was being made against the family's objections. "No one connected with this movie knew Whitney or anything about her relationship with Bobby," she said. "We are exhausted by the continuing misinformation and comments offered by people who did not know her. Please please let her rest."
Basset and Whitney Houston worked together on the film, Waiting to Exhale. In a recent interview with HuffPoLive, Bassett addressed criticism that she didn't know her well enough to direct a film based on her life.
I did spend a little time [with] her, but to know her intimately, intimately — I mean, who does but the person and the Lord they serve? Who knows a person? But I know a little about being in the spotlight, a little about celebrity and its demands, a little about trying to find a mate and the support that's needed in your industry — mine being acting, hers [the] music industry. I know about being a woman, about being a black woman that came up in a little hometown ... and yet you are able to become a success because of this God-given gift or talent. So I know a little bit about what it might have been like.
Arlen Escarpeta, who was cast to play Bobby Brown, responded to criticism back in August, telling The Hollywood Reporter while he understands the family's objections he thinks the film will honor her memory. The film also stars America's Next Top Model star Yaya DaCosta, who I psychically predicted would get this role. Rebecca Rose, Hollywood Psychic Casting Director.
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I am coming down with a terrible cold (don't worry, I'm not freaking out thinking it's Ebola or anything) but that will not stop me from taking any opportunity I have to share yet another of my favorite Whitney Houston performances:
Image via Getty.