Whitney Houston’s Former Bodyguard Admits He Considered 'Sacrificing Everything' for the Singer
Whitney Houston's ex-bodyguard shares personal insights about their bond and sacrifices, revealing parallels to The Bodyguard.
David Roberts, who served as Houston's bodyguard from 1988 to 1995, revealed an unforgettable moment during his tenure. One evening, the singer rested her head on his shoulder, leaving Roberts tempted to “give up everything” to cross the line from professional to personal. However, he held firm to his commitment, recognizing that such a decision could compromise her safety.
Roberts explained, “If you cross that line, you lose your objectivity, and that makes it dangerous for the person you’re protecting. That was why Frank Farmer and Rachel Marron couldn’t be together in The Bodyguard—it’s a rule you cannot break.”
According to Roberts, many scenes from The Bodyguard mirrored real-life experiences. For instance, the movie’s depiction of Houston’s character gripping her protector’s shirt to navigate through crowds was directly inspired by their day-to-day methods of evading fervent fans.
“Much of what was contained in the film, she and I actually lived through,” Roberts said, adding that Houston’s safety was always his top priority.
Roberts disclosed that Houston faced numerous security threats during her career, often from obsessive individuals with sinister intentions.
“They were mostly men who felt let down, embittered, or cheated,” he recounted. “The golden rule is never lose sight of your principal and never let anyone get close to her.”
Roberts emphasized the weight of his responsibilities, noting that while he had to succeed 100% of the time, a single failure could have catastrophic consequences.
Initially hesitant to take the role due to assumptions about the entertainment industry, Roberts said his perspective changed upon meeting Houston. He described her as warm, funny, and far from the high-maintenance celebrity he had envisioned.
“I was singularly impressed by her. The stereotypical attitudes I had of that industry were completely dissipated by this sophisticated young lady,” he told The Guardian in a 2017 interview.
While known as “The Voice” for her unmatched talent, Houston’s life was marked by personal struggles, including her battle with drug addiction. Roberts expressed anger over the lack of intervention from those around her, blaming greed for her untimely death. “So many people could have done so much to avoid that. They didn’t,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Roberts cherishes the memories of his time with Houston, including a personal note she left him on a Post-it during a 1988 trip to Hong Kong. “It’s rather faded with time but still precious to me,” he said.
The relationship between Whitney Houston and her bodyguard underscores the complexities of trust, sacrifice, and professional boundaries. While their bond inspired a Hollywood classic, it also posed profound personal challenges.
Does such a connection foster loyalty and protection, or does it blur the lines of professionalism? And how do we reconcile the sacrifices made by those who stood by Houston, even as others turned a blind eye to her struggles?
Share your thoughts on this poignant story in the comments below.
Post a Comment