Whitney Houston's sister-in-law, Pat Houston, posted a scathing letter on the official Whitney Houston website yesterday, condemning tonight's Lifetime TV premiere of Whitney, the network’s biopic of the late singer directed by Angela Bassett.
The family seems to have many issues with the film, including Whitney's daughter not being able to see it in advance, which is understandably upsetting.
"Why wasn’t there a call to myself, Gary, Cissy or even her daughter? Why deny selected members of the family an advanced copy of the film? " the post read.
They're also bothered by the timing, as Whitney passed away February 11, 2012. "As we once again enter a season of bereavement and the strategic timing so close to the anniversary of Whitney's death, this is a disappointment that any of us who loved her could do without," Pat wrote. "This creative pursuit at the expense of the integrity of such an iconic woman, who is voiceless today, reeks of condemnation and deceit."
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Lastly, and most shockingly, Whitney's mom Cissy specifically asked Lifetime not to do this movie about her daughter, but plans for the movie moved forward, and now the family is telling fans to expect the worst.
"I say this to all Whitney's family, friends and fan base: If you watch this movie, watch it knowing that Lifetime is notorious for making bad biopics of deceased celebrities and brace yourself for the worst," the post reads. "You should not be surprised that someone decided to do a made for TV biopic. And, I might add, without the family's blessing and despite her mother's request to not do this movie."
Whitney is Angela Bassett's directorial debut (who, in a funny twist is best known for playing Tina Turner in 1993's What's Love Got To Do With It), and she told The Wrap that she screened the film for Whitney's cousin Dionne Warwick and got her seal of approval. That's great, but why not show it to her daughter? Or abide by her mother's request to not make the movie?
As one of the greatest and most fascinating singers of our time, it's easy to understand why the film was made, and why people want to know her story. Will you be watching Whitney?