Our favorite natural homegirl Janet Hubert, recently went in on Ms. Williams and her sudden show of support and love when Whitney passed, wondering where all that compassion was when the Queen was alive. Remembering that fateful interview and Wendy’s relentless mudslinging, Janet felt compelled to take to the keyboard after witnessing the daytime star break down in tears on her show following the announcement of Whitney’s death. Janet told me, ‘it was just something I needed to say… enough is enough!’
Dear Wendy,
This past weekend was a very difficult time for so many of us.
Though I never knew Whitney Houston, I felt a profound sense of loss and sadness. On Sunday morning I took my dog for a walk in the park across the street and still could not shake the sadness I felt. I wondered if what I was feeling was perhaps related to losing my mother and brother this past year, but then I thought no, it was something else.
I watched the funeral service with the rest of the world, and cried time and time again with each story that was told. I felt like I knew more about this amazing woman than ever before. We all watched her as a little girl, center stage, singing like a bird, she was destined for superstardom. To watch her center stage full circle in death was a feeling no mother should ever have to feel. I applaud Ms. Warwick, the pastor, and all others who formed a police line of love and protection around her that was impenetrable only to those who really knew her. We, the public accepted their decision to keep it private, but they allowed us to witness her Home Going ceremony, I don’t know if I could have been so gracious. WE felt like we knew her and we knew nothing about her except what we read and hear from people like you and other media outlets. I listened to her interview with you and was compelled to say out loud. “Go on Whitney tell her like it is,” when you pried into her life back then. I had my son in the same year as Ms. Houston; we did Ebony Magazine that same year, she introducing her baby girl and me my son. I am trying to be dignified, but here goes.
The Internet has become somewhat like the 10 commandments, and this is why… whatever is posted or commented on… is forever written in stone. Neither I nor anybody can stop anyone from making up stories, reviews, lies etc, cutting and pasting whatever they decide to put together like a bad buffet breakfast.
I have had some horrible meals shoved down my throat on the web that I had no parts of.
I still have a bad taste in my mouth from a recent cut and paste meal from your beloved TMZ (THE MUDSLINGING ZONE). I believe you said once “If you heard it on TMZ then it must be true,” really Wendy?
The Internet is indeed the information highway, but it can also be “a Forum of Hate.”
You said that morning with tears in your eyes, that you would not discuss Whitney any further, but you crucified her the whole time she was alive, as you do so many people on your show. I want to ask you why? What do you get out of this besides money?How do you sleep at night knowing that you are one of the biggest bullies in the world disguised as HOT TOPICS? Celebrities are not topics we are people, just like everyone else, we hurt and we hear and we bleed real blood, not fake blood, just as you do.
How do we as parents teach our children to honor each other, treat each other with kindness when all they see are images of people like you who condone and promote meanness, rude reality TV stars, and your opinion as you berate world renowned people like Janet Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and others you slam on a daily basis.
I keep asking myself why no one is saying anything about this. What the hell are they afraid of? Where are my sisters out there who feel as I do?
Well Wendy, I try to teach my son to stand up, shout, and scream when there is injustice. Yeah yeah, I know, I have been screaming for years and will continue to do so as long as there are images that depict black women as neck shaking, over bearing women who can’t get along.
A sister, a mother, a daughter, a star, left this world way too early; she was loved by the world. The world mourned, I don’t think that we needed you to try and take down another brilliant sister on that following Monday morning. (Your rude comments about Janet Jackson)
You started right back up without hesitation or pause… you need to stop Wendy. We need to stop, and the world needs to stop. I need to stop as well. There will be no more quotes from me to be misquoted. We need to join together, wrap our arms around our children, everybody’s children. Remember you have a child who will suffer every slingshot and arrow that gets thrown back at you Wendy; our public lives greatly affect our children.
I know I am going to suffer some arrows for writing this letter to you, I know you are loved by many, but remember this Wendy; they love you when you are up and they love to take you down. You will not always be up, you will not always be on the A list and attend all the parties. Ride the wave sister girl, but make sure you know how to swim when the ride is over. Artists are survivors, we work hard to build our crafts and careers and I ask that you simply remember that in the future.
I’m just sayin’ it like l mean it too.
Janet Hubert
What do you think of the letter? Are you a Wendy Williams fan?
Click HERE for my interview with Janet Hubert.
If she could identify with Whitney so well on a personal level, then how could she malign her the way she did on her show back then, and recently when she made the joke about Whitney doing the Waiting to Exhale 2 movie. She said Whitney should do more exhaling and less inhaling. Goes to show that when its time to do her show, she blocks out all feeling and just goes in, for ratings. Now she feels guilty. But she will never say it aloud.
Not just Wendy, but the media in and of itself should be more considerate of celebrities, especially celebrities with addicitions and personal battles. I think we see "just" the celebrity and not the fact that these people are real people who endure a lot. I also know that part of the business that Wendy is in is to get ratings and her audience thrives off of her dishing dirt. I don't feel she is a cold hearted person; I think she like a lot of Americans will do what it takes to be sucessful and that is just what she does. I also agree with the lady who commented earlier on saying she saw in Whitney something she used to be and knew it was possible for her to be a "recovering" addict. Was her approach right, maybe not! Again, she's doing her job and if she changed her format, I seriously don't think she'd have one. Janet did point the finger at herself by saying she needed to work on being more compassionate, so not only did she speak against Wendy, but herself and those of us who are guilty. I personally am not a fan of Wendy for other reasons… at the end of the day, everyone is allowed their own opinion but it should be tactfully stated. When we throw dirt we lose footing!
Janet, get a hold of your gigantic ego and need to whine. What a pretentious yet poorly written letter. Wendy did what everyone else in the media did, report on celebrity crazy, and this is the fodder for day time talk shows-to lampoon out of control celebrities. If people didn't want it, shows wouldn't feature it. So we viewers have some accountability for being the ones demanding such crap on TV. Yes, Whitney was a talent beyond comprehension and this is a such a loss, but she was also a huge mess and the creator of her own crazy and demise. Everyone talked about her lunacy. Everyone. Whitney made sure of that by continuing her very public downfall. It's very sad she passed but let's not turn her into an instant saint NOW. Ridiculous. Let's celebrate her talent, but this whitewashing business and now calling people out for having HAD an opinion about Whitney's crazy behavior, which she aired in public? Get a grip.
And, Janet, are you kidding with this, "…who formed a police line of love and protection around her that was impenetrable only to those who really knew her"? What utter crap. Her family allowed her funeral to be streamed live and "invited" people to it, as well as sold the photos. Yeah, integrity out the ears.
Bottomline, self righteous Janet, why didn't you write this letter when Whitney was alive? Wouldn't it have been more helpful to Whitney then? This proves how disingenuous your gesture really is and how it's mean to promote and aid one person: YOU.
i thought it was just me and for aretha to thank wendy for all she did and said to whitney was beyound me she made fun of that girl on her show hours before she died and with her mother there her mother should have corrected her i watched her show that mon morn just to see if this jackass would say i regret r im so sorry nothing i will never watch her again
get off your soapbox…
It's really, ummm…interesting to celebrate a letter that calls for an end to mudslinging & internet bullying by putting hella ugliness on here about Wendy Williams. It's even more, ummm…interesting that Ms. Hubert felt the need to respond to one of the commenters directly but without saying SQUAT about the rest of the ugliness on here towards Ms. Williams. Why didn't she "stand up, speak up" about that? It says a-freaking-lot about her intentions with that open letter. Sooo, it's okay as long as it's towards someone that she's taken issue with? How about when Wendy dies? Will there be another "open letter" to the many who've commented, on here & elsewhere, on Ms. Williams appearance, drug use, past, etc? I'd wager, not.
Whitney Houston's death did not, as others have said, have any impact on my life. Honestly, I wasn't even really a fan. I have empathy for her loved ones because she was a daughter, mother, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. But for all of her greatness as an entertainer, she was fallible–drugs, alcohol, & other extraness. Her death doesn't wipe all of that away from history or memory–nor should it. It means she was human.
But the same goes for Wendy Williams. She too is a daughter, mother sister, wife, friend, etc. I'm not necessarily a fan of hers either & I rarely watch her show. She openly admits her fallibility in the same forum that she gives the news of others' and if she didn't admit her own, someone else would. One of the ways that she makes her money is on gossip, but, let's be honest, she's not providing something for which there isn't a DEMAND. Maybe that "open letter" should have been to the general public.
Ms. Hubert, in my opinion, showed herself, with this letter, to be disingenuous AND pretentious AND presumptuous. As if this woman, by virtue of her profession, can't show remorse or genuine sadness at the passing of one that Ms. Hubert, herself, claims was "loved by the world". How judgmental and self-righteous. Why not go to Wendy Williams & try to affect a change together if that is her goal? Not as sensational as an "open letter" on the internet, huh? "Crucify"? Really?!?!
Oh, and we teach our kids by being parents. The kind of parents that instill good sense and values in our kids & that counteract & explain the crassness, crudeness, & rudeness that they can get exposed to by the media. The kind of parents that are engaged & involved. The kind of parents that lets them know that it's okay to be genuinely remorseful if they feel they've done something wrong & to not judge others if they do the same. Spread THAT message in an open letter because we certainly need more people being this kind of parent in our community!
Do it like you really mean it or just have a seat.
This person doesnn't know what the hell she's talking about. I know Wendy personally and she's never hated on Whitney. I've also watched and listened to Wendy for many years. I remember that Whitney interview very well and listened to the entire thing. Wendy has always approached the subject of Whitney Houston with the upmost love and respect. As she mentioned in the clip, they shared a common bond. I can't speak for other news outlets, but can I truly say that Wendy never disrespected Whitney. Btw, I'm also a HUGE Whitney fan!:)
I'm so sorry but I'm sick of Janet Hubert "calling out" all of these celebs. You tell somebody else not to judge but what are you doing? And as for Wendy Williams…she had nothing but love for Whitney…tough love! I love Whitney too but its no secret she was a drug addict! Wendy quit and Whitney didnt and we see where she is. Everybody needs to stop passing judgement in my opinion.
Wow…..this is how I felt a very long time about Wendy. Well said Janet. For years I have taken up for Whit. (she was like a sister to me). I gonna miss her.
While I'm not a fan of Janet or Wendy (especially Wendy) I'm happy someone spoke up and called Wendy out on her B.S. Much like everyone else in Hollywood Wendy didn't care anything about Whitney and she knows it. I think her show is awful, and I think shes awful. Those phony tears for Whitney were just for ratings.
Dear Janet,
Your passionately written letter said more about you, than perhaps you intended. Now, you are guilty of the very thing you are chastising Wendy Williams for doing. Now, it's your turn to "…….crucify her…" Or in your words, "I’m just sayin’ it like l mean it too"
The "….fateful interview.." you refer to in your open letter occurred January 2003. How can you be certain, or speak for Wendy regarding her feelings now. Do you feel the same way about things from 10 years ago, are you harboring judgements from 2003? Really….?
Let's use this very powerful medium we now have at our fingertips, for teachable moments given from a place of love. Let's not use this medium for more mudslinging.
We need more Sister on Sister love, and that includes you, me, and Wendy.
Let our beloved Whitney, rest in peace.
That's a beautiful, well written letter Janet! I totally agree.
she cried because it could have been her. she said even in the interview with whitney that she connected with her because of their drug problem. However, whitney was too busy acting out for her to even hear anything. What is wrong with Wendy calling Whitney on her antics, when her handlers were sitting back just watching it all happen.
I'm not a Wendy Williams fan. I do not like the gossip and I had no idea that she discussed Whitney Houston often. But I know that sometimes we look in hindsight at the mistakes we made and we realize that it was something we should not have said or done.
Wendy said she will not discuss Whitney anymore and apologized and it should be left there. The open letter, though I'm sure Mrs. Hubert had good intentions and wants Wendy to stop with the overall discussion of "Hot Topics" (something which most people tune in to hear about), was further butchering of an already sorry and apologetic woman.
Nevertheless, I agree with Hubert in her initial statement that it was terrible on Williams part to talk the way she supposedly did about Whitney Houston and other celebs.
I couldn't agree more!!!! Now is the time for us to rally around one another and show love. We shouldn't wait until someone's passing to respect them and cherish them. Do it while they're here, while they can receive it. Janet is on point with this one. It is about the money!!…for what other reason would someone do this?…unless they're just truly mean by nature I suppose. Change is definitely much needed in all of us.
welll Nikki…what say you?
I personally try to avoid gossip magazines and websites. it may be related to the fact that I love in europe and those magazines are hella expensive. For whatever reason, one thing I notice when I go back to the States, is that being exposed to celebrity gossip, makes me feel bad. It's rare to the media showing the good things people do and celebrating that. Look at Oprah, a woman who has given so much, opened schools in Africa-and what do we hear about!? Yoyo weight and her non married status! The fact that this stuff sells is in my opinion a reflection of our culture. What do we get out of knowing another person is struggling or battling an addiction? To me, Whitney Houston was a incredibly talented human being and just that, a human. Like a close relative of mine, who would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it, fought for our country, and lost his life to a drug addiction–human.
Most actors and actresses don't sign up to be some kind of circus attraction. People often justify by saying "oh well the money and fame they attain makes up for it". That just isn't rational. Don't even get me started on news stations. Most new stations haveno substance in the news whatsoever. It's embarrassing to see more reports on Obama's religion, nationality and swagger (yes, they've gone there) than policies.
This post is long enough already, so i'll end it by saying, if I was in Janet's situation i'd be fed up with it all.
…..everyone check your houses and backdoors!
-made of glass or back door dirty?
ye cast your first stone – not taking any sides, refuse to
all I know for sure is
love is kind, patient, understanding, not boastful, not prideful, not malice, etc…..
About time too! I took a disliking for Wendy when she had a self confessed self conscious, insecure Stacey Dash on her show and the next day tore Stacey apart for one reason or another and she does it to alot of her guests.
Thank you Ms. Huberts, she needs to be spoken to woman to woman because her behavior is disgusting and destructive.
I watched her show the other day and she wend from calling out a 'reality show' for the women fighting to picking on a girl more than half her age, Miley Cirus, for cutting her hair and having a boyfriend for 2 years O_o… and she is the trype of person who tares people down to the point of self destruction.
More people need to call her out, her behavior is disgraceful.
I love it!
ya know what wendy used to entertain me and my friends in high school back in the day and I did start to use her and Art's "how you doin'?" line when my gay-dar was peaking. However, even then I was never really a Wendy fan because she put people down so much. Obviously, Wendy is a very unhappy, insecure person which is why she says the things she does about other people.
I was not moved by her tears over Whitney. I frankly don't believe she was being genuine. She went out of her way to make Whitney Houston look bad during that infamous phone call interview. I remembered it. Ultimately, Wendy is an entertainer who says things to get ratings, but I really feel sorry for her too. She is not satisfied with herself. Hurting people hurt other people. I don't think Janet was representing bitterness by writing that letter to Wendy. It should be a public letter since Wendy like publicity. I just hope she really listens to the letter.
All I can say is that people certainly do have an opinion about this..and that is all it is…an opinion. Goodbye and Good night Ms. Whitney Houston. You are gone from this earthly place..thanks for your gift of song…
To Kay,
Re read my article, I mention TMZ as one of the main sources of our frustration. Recently at Christmas they made up a story that I called them, I did not. They call me and ask me questions about Will's marriage, sex life, sexuality as well as other cast members. We are trying to raise our children, conduct our lives just like you or anyone else. What you and many folks simply don't understand is this. Being a public figure does not make you a public dartboard. They can make up anything about you, say you did anything, and you could be dead when it happened, doesn't matter we have no recourse, no legal action to take. I am not nor have ever been a media hoe, I don't do reality shows. I wrote this because she represents the black media, and black women. I felt it was necessary for someone in the industry to speak out against the treatment of actors,and one of the finest talents the world has ever known. No one stood up for me when I needed it. I was alone in my fight and the world believed every piece of bullshit they read. It was the black press that beat me to a pulp. It is all about divide and conquer. I suggest you put yourself in our place or Whitney's place if you can feel any empathy. You can discuss events without being mean spirited. I have only addressed this on this site because I really enjoy reading about natural hair. I took Natural Sunshine on when they attacked Nikki as well. I believe in standing up my sister, that is the generation that I come from. Our hair is strong it stands up all by itself, and we must as well. Peace sista!
Well Nikki, I think that you should devise a way create the thumbs up/thumbs down button for your website.
I am a Wendy fan for the most part, but Janet hit the nail right on the head. As I was reading this I began hearing "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" Wendy, may get ratings now and even then, but what happens when there are no ratings and no one is listening to the idle bantor.
I think Janet Hubert comes across as bitter and angry in her letter. Judge not lest ye be judged. Yes Wendy is a gossip, that is how she makes her career. But she judges so do we then teach her how to behave by tearing her down and judging her in turn (while revelling in it?).
What was Janet's purpose for writing this letter? Did she think Wendy would say "Oh Janet, you are right, I'm going to stop doing this?" I share the same opinions, where were all these people when Whitney was really going through it, but people have their own right to express their regret for someone's passing however they choose.
It is not our right to judge them, that's for the lord to do. If you want to call her out, STOP WATCHING HER SHOW. Don't give her the air time. All Janet did was give her more fodder and further legitimize her. Yes Janet got publicity but Wendy got even more.
If she attacks Wendy, what about TMZ? The National Enquirer? What about all of them? That's where Wendy gets her information from. Attack the source too if you are going to go on a rant. Don't pick the black woman who is behaving badly and make it all about her. She got her information from somewhere, go all the way up.
A publicity stunt gone bad. The "angry black woman" stigma is something we all have to deal with as black women, pick on someone else who did something wrong instead of going for crabs in a barrel. "I'll make Wendy look bad to pull myself up" As black women we really have to stop, it has to end somewhere……
Gonna have to agree with Janet on this one. Yeah, we need to stop, but is Wendy gonna get views? Probably not. I applaud Janet for this letter, but that's what Wendy gets paid for, being a glorified blogger who ruins others lives. But that's the cost of being in the business. In a perfect world, things would change and Wendy would be different, but she ain't changing. I don't watch her because of her boring and trashy show. Hell, even reality shows are trashy, but what do you do?
Well written and can only be taken as a positive warning for all women.
"Our favorite natural homegirl"??? Really Nikki? All I have ever read or heard from Janet H. is negativity about someone else for whatever reason, and why she was done wrong. Yet another "whoa is me, and why is everyone else sooo terrible" rant from a woman who should just move past just complaining about injustice and begin to fill her life with positive action.
Wendy is a loser and still acting like an active addict. Fake as ever! I can not stand Wendy and now I know why! So glad Whitney put her in her place during that phone interview! RIP Baby Girl, I love you Whitney!
About time too! I took a disliking for Wendy when she had a self confessed self conscious, insecure Stacey Dash on her show and the next day tore Stacey apart for one reason or another and she does it to alot of her guests.
Thank you Ms. Huberts, she needs to be spoken to woman to woman because her behavior is disgusting and destructive.
I watched her show the other day and she wend from calling out a 'reality show' for the women fighting to picking on a girl more than half her age, Miley Cirus, for cutting her hair and having a boyfriend for 2 years O_o… and she is the trype of person who tares people down to the point of self destruction.
More people need to call her out, her behavior is disgraceful.
Wendy Williams has always been a joke to me. I never understood the concept of her show. Her opinions are just that, opinions. However, she got the attention that she and her show was seeking if people are going to tune in to view her theatrics. Just don't watch the Wendy Williams show. How about that?
Brillant! Excellent letter Janet!
People must remember that the world of media and gossip is a hustle just like McDonalds!!! Wendy has just mastered the craft (and made millions!!) well I am a fan of all three [Wendy,Whitney and Janet]. We as individuals must CHOOSE to be consumers or NOT of what the media puts out there. Janet had some good points but so did Wendy when it came to Whitney. We will never know the truth and why should we (how is knowing gonna benefit our personal lives?!)
Thank you Ms.Hurbert..very well said!
I think Janet is on point. If Wendy can dish out, she should be able to take the truth- even if it hurts.
I met Wendy at a book signing for one of her books several yrs ago. She struck me as being DEEPLY insecure and petty and hateful towards any woman who looked good, was of normal weight and size or actually had a talent/profession based on something worhtwhile. I went away from watching her antics with a very bad tatset in my mouth. She needs to get help for her personal issues instead of trying to work them out in public by 'dishing' on celebrities. Downing someone else will never uplift you.
I am not a fan of gossip period. Everyone knows on some level that these shows would not make the ratings without gossip and mean gossip at that. I've seen blogs whose content has been just as mean or meaner towards celebrities. If we are indeed sincere about our feelings about Good news, I'll be glad to wake up in the morning and see all these trashy dirty shows(black and white…let's not make this just a black thing) off the air.
I am glad you said it Janet! I was thinking the same thing when I was forced to watch this episode of the Wendy Williams show. I thought Wendy was too emotional for a woman that purposely condemned Whitney on her radio show in New York! I laughed at the fakeassness and was in awe at her boldness.
Wendy Williams' interview of Whitney was no more disrespectful than Oprah's. It is sad that Whitney is gone, but her drug abuse issues were no secret and when both Wendy and Oprah asked her about her issues, she made excuses blaming everyone but herself and denying the extent of her troubles. So both interviewers pushed her on it. That's it. Wendy did her job. That doesn't mean she can't have had sympathy for Whitney, Wendy doesn't hide or make excuses about her former drug problem. Those tears seemed like genuine emotion over the whole situation. Wendy cried for Cissy, for Dion, for Bobbi Christina, and on some levels I'm sure she was crying for herself and the person she used to be. Ms. Hubert is creating a storm in a tea cup. Why? She claims that celebrities want their privacy and don't want the attention of media outlets like TMZ, yet she has chosen to write a very public open letter to a person with a successful daytime chat show. This is going to draw publicity, and make no mistake that is exactly what Ms. Hubert wants. If she wanted a quiet life out of the spotlight she wouldn't spend her days calling out people more famous than she is like Wendy and Will Smith.
I can't stand the heffer! She looks like a man and anyone that makes money off of making negative comments about others is a hippocrite and anyone that watches her show is, too.
Sistas why are we so quick to ridicule others, and in doing so need an audience of Amens? While I am not by any means defending Ms. Williams' actions or lack there of, it is important for us to learn to resolve conflict through positive dialogue. If Ms. Hubert took issue with any of Ms. Williams' actions, she should have addressed her concerns to Ms. Williams directly. I truly believe that there is a divisive spirit abound, and we must stop it in its track. Let's stop the nonsense, and profess our love and support for each other.
Hmmmm….. I like what you wrote but this is what happens when you decide that you want to be a celebrity. Your entire life is put out there for the people to judge.
Really?! Shame on her for using the attention surrounding Whitney Houston's passing as an opportunity to communicate her own personal agenda. She seems like she's starving for attention.
It is amazing to me how celebrities want all the cameras to be on them when they want us to support whatever they are doing, and when they are finished they expect us just to turn it off. If you are in the lime light then expect for people to be all up in your business at all times.
Whitney did drugs, that is not a lie, she even admitted it- several times, and her actions where something to talk about. That doesn't mean that we didn't love her, her music, and all the stuff that everyone said at the funeral wasn't true. But all of the other negative things that she associated with was caught in the public eye too. So don't be mad when you get caught doing something wrong and then you want to say I am a real person.
Janet… has no problem acting like a celebrity Diva but then you want to be looked at as a real person. Well act like a real person all the time and not when it is convenient for you.
And I swear I do not get how you trash someone who talks trash about someone else. Aren't you doing the same thing.
Very ELEGANT! I loved it!
Miss Hubert, thank you for that letter. I agree with everything that you said about Wendy. Let us not forget that the week before her death, Wendy implored her viewers to send her copies of Whitney and Bobby's reality show, so that she could laugh at Whitney. It is for that reason that I was utterly shocked to see Wendy shed crocodile tears for Whiteney last week. Wendy consistenly disseminates stories that she knows to be false, all in the name of ratings. We should all listen to the message Whitney's bodyguard left us with: to be a little more mindful of the things we say about others.
@ February 22, 2012 2:52 PM
While this site is primarly about hair care, it you click some of the tabs at the top of the page can will find a slew of topics regarding Mind and Body.
I would think this topic would fall under that tab.
But, YOU didn't have to read this or comment at all. You could have just 'kept it moving'.
Really…Really… WOW, OK.
Let me just say that I come to this site for hair care. What does this interview have to do with hair? Really? Really? Wow ok
I have never been a Wendy fan only because I feel like she makes her living beating up her own kind (celebs). It's almost like she makes double when she can beat up on a black woman.
I'm not going to hold Wendy to a higher standard than I hold any other celebrity. Wendy as well as Tom Joyner, J Anthony Brown and many others all took crazy shots at Whitney when she was at the bottom. If I want to be honest, I too talked about Whitney after seeing the many media mishaps that were reported over the past couple of years (and I'm not a celebrity).
I will say that Whitney's death had made me watch what comes out of my mouth regarding celebrities (as well as others).
The night before Whitney died (Friday 2/10) I went to a New Edition concert and the opening act was KC and Jojo. That night I was so sad at the condition of KC and Jojo that I 'joked' about wanting some of my money back.
Then New Edition performed. Bobby Brown was awesome and I told my husband I was really proud of him and how he seems to be serious about his life.
WHO KNEW that 24 hours later Bobby's ex wife would be dead? I can tell you that I don't want to lose another beloved icon to this madness…but what can WE do?
Well, I for one will do my best to only speak life and encouragement to those I who I know are struggling with these ugly deamons. I for one, will do my best to remember them in my prayers. I for one will try my hardest not to listen to or engage in the gossip that we hear so often on the radio or read in the blogs.
I believe if we try to take this apporach (including Wendy and other celebrities) we can foster an environment of love instead of an environment of negativity.
Whitney's death reminded me that we don't know the day or hour we will leave this earth. I would rather cry tears of sorrow because I'm going to miss the person who's gone than to cry tears of guilt because I was mean while they were here.
That's just me.
lizz
Ms. Hubert, with all due respect I believe you are WRONG, WRONG, WRONG on this issue. Not for nothing, I listened to the radio interview between Whitney Houston and Wendy Williams back in the day and again on the internet a few days ago. And found Ms. Houston to be very angry at the time as she spoke with Wendy. I also listened to what Wendy said on her talk show regarding Whitney and I found a woman discussing someone she saw great friend (even if they never met) and admiring her even giving her the respect of NOT discussing what other news programs were discussing at the time. Which in my opinion was vile and horrible. The only thing they (FOX News, HLN and ABC) discussed was Whitney’s drug abuse, her last days as a person who looked disheveled, her relationship with Bobby Brown and the “eventual down fall of another pop star using drugs” Not what Wendy Williams wanted to promote on her talk show. Wendy Williams was a shark at times when she had people on her radio show back in the day. And she would lace into you if she had the change. However I remembered she revered Whitney Houston and wanted the interview to go well. For the most part it did! Even if Ms. Houston was not apologetic about her behavior while interviewing. Although the relationship between the two women wasn’t pleasant I don’t Wendy Williams said anything disrespectful! I believe you are drumming up issues you are experiencing with “people” who disrespecting the dead, but your anger needs to be addressed to Barbara Walter, and Bill O'reilly and the rest of news programs who were vilified Whitney Houston after her death and stop picking on a woman who just told America that she will not discuss Whitney Houston for whatever she reason she gave. And FYI, having this conversation on public media, makes me think of you as no better than Bill O’reilly when he wants to promote his agenda and knock someone down for their opinion. You are no better!!!
Great letter Janet!
I'm glad somebody said something about that show Wendy put on. And all it was is a foolish show. Wendy sat there making herself out to be the victim after Whitney passed. The whole time Whitney was alive she dogged the woman out.
Whitney was probably shaking her head somewhere at how selfish Wendy was with those comments on her show.
I sat there looking at the tv like " No this chick is not going in about her addition to crack!" Child please have a seat!
SMH at Wendy, no words at how ridiculous that whole scene was.
I think the problem is the internet, gossip sites, and media outlets have allowed HATERS to have a voice. If its not Wendy delivering the "gossip" it will be someone else. The sad part is that the "people" love drama. When you look at black women on tv period (reality shows mainly) look how we carry our selves. The R.H.W.O. ATL, Basketball wives, even mob wives all show women humiliating eachother. I don't even think its a racial thing is more of what gets ratings. I have followed Wendy I am from Jersey and my family lived on the block of the late great Whitney Houston. However, I just can't get with Jersey Shore…I also listened to the original interview when Whitney put Wendy in her place. It was a legendary interview and entertaining. See that is the problem people have a hard time seperating what is reality and entertainment. Celebraties want you to look at them in dresses, take my picture, check out my new louboutins, come into my home (reality shows) cribs etc, see who I am dating etc. Then want to pull the plug once the public wants more. Instead of all the people claiming that they loved Whitney where were they when she really needed them? Would of, could of , should of…Honestly I could go on and on. My point (finally) is that we the people need to stop feeding stupidity, gossip, and fake realtiy shows. Celebs use the public for their benefit and cry when they are caught with "no makeup on" etc. Give me a break we live in a society that will build you up only to knock you back down.
The death of Whitney, let alone any celebrity doesn't bother or affect me at all. Her music was good; however, I didn't know the woman. It is sad when anyone loses a life, but it seems when a celebrity dies the world stops and mourns for months. I save my mourning for people I KNOW and care about. What wendy does is for ratings and what janet is doing is for notice as well. Controversy gets your name in peoples mouths thats it.
Comments are always interesting…and I'm always surprised by the large amount of anonymity. I think we all could do with less whispers and gossiping. Where is the love?
i don't watch her show because i feel like it is a gossip rag, much like her radio program that i didn't care for either. and i have enough of my own problems without jumping on her negative band wagon. personally, i don't think the letter went far enough, but it was written with care and class, so job well done.
I'm kinda surprised by the letter because I think Janet has "gone hard" on Will Smith. Talkin' about Wendy's "negativity"…Um, pot meet kettle.
I agree with anonymous February 22, 2012 1:37 PM. Black women are so mean and hurtful when it comes to other black women? Why the hate?
I wouldn't call myself a "Wendy Fan", but a "Wendy Follower" because I've listened to her ever since she was on Hot 97 & WBLS in NYC, and now watch her Talk Show. Since I've followed her career for obviously many years I've seen a lot of growth in her. From the days of getting fired from Hot 97 for talking too much about Sean "Puffy" Combs and fellow VJ Angie Martinez. I heard the infamous interview w/ Whitney & even the conversations that led to the interview. Wendy was waaaay out of line w/ the things she said which led Whitney to rightfully blast her during the radio interview. I had mixed feelings about her crying on TV. Part of me wondered if she was doing it for TV or if it was sincere. Only Wendy knows the answer to this. However, playing Devil's Advocate, I know I personally, in my past, have said and done things that weren't right. I've had to eat a few pieces of humble pie yet, I've lived & learned. Can't this also be the case for Wendy? Can she now see the error of her former ways and now feel bad about it? There are guests that will NEVER come to her show because of her reputation & she knows this. Unfortunately we ALL have made mistakes in our past that come back to haunt us. Poor Whitney never got to make her comeback so her legacy will be forever tarnished by her unfortunate more recent past by the media who were NEVER real fans like us. Those Whitney fans Wendy held up in the beginning I believe were Wendy's symbolic white flag asking for a truce. She knew her past & knew Whitney wanted no parts of her.
Laurie, I'm with you. I don't really mourn the loss of celebrities like most folks. Yeah, it's sad, but She didn't do a damn thing that directly had an effect on my life at all. I'm so over this Whitney bull. I care about REAL people who don't have the luxury of having the world mourn over their shortcomings. Whitney's death didn't "wake me up" to the problems with drugs in our society. I saw it all the time growing up, I learned from seeing people struggle and now I help to try to fight those struggles. THAT is what really matters.
I actually do appreciate Janet's open letter based on the fact that it opens the dialogue to how 'black' people treat other 'black' people. In general, I noticed that the negativity discussed in the media regardig Whitney's problems was much more profound than that which was discussed when Michael Jackson passed. Black women have in 'hard' in this country and across the world. Let's make sure that we do everything that we can to support each other. Divide and conquer is the tactic used my those who would see us defeated. Let's try to counteract that approach and keep it real but positive!
Man, I've been waiting to read something as awesome as this! I'm not a fan of Wendy at all and I never have been. Her show is pure nonsense. After all, maybe she was crying because of the guilt she felt for being so judgmental? Either way, she is right, we ALL need to stop and stop it now.
Well, I guess I'm the only one who thinks this letter is a bit extra. A bit of a reach.
We can love Whitney, and think she was a crackhead at the same time. A bit rude to call wendy's outpouring of emotion a "performance" in the same letter in which you admonish her for tearing others down.
::shrug::
I loved Whitney and wanted to BE her when I was a lil girl. Her passing is shocking and so very sad, I don't think it's my place to point ugly fingers at anyone who mourns the woman's death, even if that woman was outspoken about the good and BAD aspect's of that woman's life.
This letter seems like a reaching, mean-spirited attention-seeking ploy at an easy target.
But that's just my view.
:shrug:
xo
Dani
okdani.com
1. Wasnt this the same chick slinging mud at will smith not too long ago, with many ppl coming out and saying that shes was the one that was hard to work with.
2. Wendy is a gossip show and i think that she pulled no punches with whitney, like she does with everyone, because she knows what its like to be deep in addiction and i think she, like the rest of us, was waiting for whitney to come out of it. So when she died it was a shock and it hurt.
3. All those ppl writing about how much wendy went on whitney, i need a show of hands of ppl who have never made a bobby and whitney joke.
Whitney death is mostly sad because it was preventable not natural causes.
The media can be very harsh!I don't excuse Wendy for that. But I agree with what a few ladies said above about Wendy possibly seeing herself in Whitney as a former addict as well and pulling for her. No one mentioned the end of the radio interview when Wendy told Whitney she needed to stop. Yeah she threw some gossip in Whitney's face and didn't know her personally, but how many of her "friends" told her she needed to clean up her act?
I'm not gonna judge anyone's tears as genuine because I don't know them and how they were affected by someone's death (remember CB's performance and what folks said about him crying?) Death is real and if millions of people can shed a tear over someone they've never met, why can't someone be touched that was clearly influenced or can relate to them?
Yes, Wendy should "watch what the **** she say" as Whitney put it, but the open letter wasn't the best way to go about it and its quite counterproductive. Hopefully not public feud will come of this.
foxylove84
This—>But I also think that Janet Hubart needs to turn the mirror on herself. Janet Hubart was just in the media a couple of months ago talking about what a bad person Will Smith was even though whatever occurred happened years ago (she really needs to let it go for her own spirit)…and while Will may have had his problems, I am sure that Janet has her problems.
Thank you Nicole P.
I DISAGREE with Ms. Hubert with all due respect. I heard the Whitney/Wendy interview too. I've have been sorta a fan of Wendy since she was on WBLS. Wendy's niche has always been what it is she gossips. Not a malicious gossip if its hot news she would discuss it with the masses. Wendy didn't create the actions behind the rumors, but she was always the person to bring us the news, which by her millions of listeners it was an encouraged and sort after skill of hers. When finally they were able to confront each other, and I can understand Whitney's anger at being gossiped about, it gave us a snapshot into the Whitney that was real vs. the pristine church girl persona that has been fed to the public. Wendy straight up called her on her (reported) slackness and God Bless the dead there was some major slackness going on. I'm not a celebrity but I'm pretty popular where I am from and I hold my self to an order when I am in public. An order that my mother my children, my spouse and those that expect the best from me can respect(I try at least no one is perfect). If you go out and wear 5 inch heels in the ice and fall expect people to point, some to laugh, some to snicker, its human nature. How can you be so mad at Wendy who was true to herself publicly express her sadness at a huge iconic loss to our community. Was anyone mad enough at Whitney when we all new she was abusing substances, when she did that interview with Diane Sawyer and showed the world something was seriously askew. The reality show she and Bobby did. I respect Wendy even though her and Whitney were not friends talking a moment to show respect and besides that respecting her family to no more mention Whitney or any details of her life/death.
I think thats its easy for everyone to applaud all the great things that anyone who has passed has done, but it does not take away from any troubles they may have had throughout their lives. Wendy Williams is just one of many platforms that puts the information out there. You can take it or leave it. Its not right or wrong. WW is entitiled to be touched by whitneys passing, no matter what you thought of the way she lives her life. You can have a parent that mistreats you your entire life, and may still cry at their funeral. I think Aunt Viv should get off her soap box. Im just sayin
I'm shrugging at Janet. She is acting like Wendy trash talked Whitney until the day she died, which is not true. As others have stated, Wendy was extremely supportive of Whitney's comeback album when it came out and it seemed like she was really rooting for her. In terms of the interview all those years before: the celeb world is what it is. Janet is asking for a level of conduct that is not possible in our contemporary world. Celebs are out there when they want to pimp a movie or a book, but when want privacy when they are not doing the right thing…you can't pick and choose. The bottomline is, Whitney had many problems…there were no lies being told, the woman had a substance abuse problem that eventually took her out of here.
The letter is a bit pretentious. Saying: "..I cried about the loss [of Whitney] along with the world.." Is an extremely exaggerated phrasing. I'm a black woman that doesn't give a damn that Whitney died. That's life. People are born into this world, people are taken out of this world. And, we all move on.
Sure her news is sad, but her loss doesn't produce a significant impact in many others.
Don't understand what the big hub-bub is all about.
That's the thing with the celebrity worship that I absolutely hate. People's lives are exalted into a greater position than they should really be in.
I remember listening to Wendy Williams on the radio, she went in HARD about Whitney Houston's addiction. I think it was because Whitney's addiction reminded Wendy so much of herself and her addiction. But still, Wendy Williams was very mean to Whitney Houston about the whole thing. When I saw Wendy Williams sobering on tv about Whitney's passing, I had to turn the channel. As much as I enjoy the Wendy Williams Show, I did feel a sense of hypocrisy on her part, and I was uncomfortable watching it as if I was a part of it.
I was thinking the same thing Well stated Ms. Hubert.
Loved this! Very necessary and well stated
Goodness, I missed this. Janet, this is a wonderful well thought out letter.
A blogger, Charing Ball, wrote a great article which referenced Wendy's "performance" about Houston's death. Dr. Phoenyx Austin also offered a great perspective on Houston's death although she didnt directly address the Wendy Williams.
http://madamenoire.com/137556/who-deserves-the-blame-for-whitney-houstons-demise/#
This is one of the reasons I am in no hurry to get television access right now. I don't care about shows like this and I don't like gossip chat shows and awful "reality" tv.
All this stuff is a bunch of crap. Remember when celebrites were private people and your only chance of access to them was with that generic fan mail letter attached to their album or in the back of a teen magazine?
I don't watch any of the "wives" shows. I made sure I didn't even get access to BET when I got cable. Just crap. Whitney needed help and she didn't get it. WHY OH WHY did she and Bobby have a tv show? Did they really need the money. The needed to get into rehab and stay there. Now their daughter is a mess too.
Why do we CELEBRATE drinking so much? Yes we CELEBRATE it!!! Then when someone goes down dead from drinking and drugs we call it tragic. We applaud pictures of men and women holding drinks in their hands. "Yeah girl I was lit up last night Woo hoo!!!!"
Why can't you have a good time without alcohol? If you can't enjoy the company you are with without having a drink, then you need to change the people you hang around.
I have seen bits and pieces of Wendy's show and it's very odd. She looks like a dude.
Wow, thx for posting. I have never listened to that interview, but guessing some of Wendy's crocodile tears now are from guilt. She has made so many hateful comments, and I applaud Janet for addressing it in an honest yet respectful manner. I never understood her audience members clapping like trained seals whenever she repeats gossip.
I also have felt such deep sadness like Janet mentioned. Whitney was on her way back and working hard, cannot believe she's no longer here.
Well said!
I am not a fan of Wendy Williams. I don't watch her show and I don't support anything she is affiliated with. I don't do gossip and that is all she is known for in my book.
I appreciate Janet Hubert for taking a stand and writing to Wendy Williams. Yes, it is a business about money but these are people's lives that you PUBLICLY berate every night. -Thank you Janet for speaking out. This has to stop, we are all humans and it is ridiculous that we treat each other this way…Especially as black women.
Well said Janet Hubert, well said. The negativity needs to stop.
I do agree, but I believe that Wendie's response was in guilt. More like what could I have done differently. Guilt because she contribe to the heart ache of another instead of using her platform for healing and love. Maybe Janet Hubart will get some slack but someone who has the public eye has stood up and spoke out and that's what matter's most.
I dont like that "shim" (she and him combined) Wendy Williams. She is rude, mean spirited, and the poster child for the negative stereotype of black women. I really am disgusted by the "How you doin'" catch phrase from every show. Im so glad someone called out this act of fakeassness and I hope someone from BET sees this and cancels her circus sideshow of a program!
I am not a fan of WW's show;I do not like how she has the reputation of being obtrusive, rude, and demeaning and seems to live up to said reputation. I listened to her interview with Whitney Houston after reading so many articles referencing it and I was ashamed of Wendy's behavior and pleasantly surprised at Whitney's defiant defense of herself. I couldn't agree more with Janet's thoughts and sentiments to Wendy and hope that her words are not in vain and will not be scrutinized and taken out of context by the media, who already portray her as an angry and bitter woman. I think her letter was well written and I feel proud to have such a strong, Black female representing for her sisters.
Back again, also cosigning what @Casimiransmom said! You couldn't have said that any better!
Natural83
I think Ms. Hubert should move her aim to shows like Basketball Wives, where each meeting is met with threats of beating or slapping someone down. Yeah, that's lady-like. Where is that "open letter"? What Wendy said pales in comparison to that nonsense. People can change and there is only so much time to get a message across. I apologize for Wendy that she can't make everyone happy. Why should what she said need to satisfy you?
I don't know what was said in the past by Wendy about Whitney Houston. What I did witness is Wendy being extremely supportive of Whitney Houston when her last album came out. She had Whitney fans made and distributed to her entire audience. Not matter what your feelings are towards Wendy, I don't agree that this needed to be an open letter. Janet, why not send a personal letter to Wendy expressing you thoughts to her. The vehicle of media you say she is misusing is the same one you are utilizing to communicate with a fellow sister who may benefit from you telling her as it is in private. As women, as black women we need to do better. Creating an environment for healthy dialog and accountability starts with the individual.
My Sister well wrote letter!! I love how you explained we all need to wake up and build up!!
I'm definitely a Wendy fan, and I sooo agree with what @QueenKC said in the comment section above me. If you watch Wendy, she was ALWAYS pulling for Whitney to get back on top!!! I think with Wendy being a former addict, she saw the struggle and wished so very badly that Whitney would pull it together and be great again like we've known her to be. Janet Hubert definitely made some good points in the letter (Go Aunt Viv!), but if we're going to go IN on Wendy, then we must criticize ALL radio hosts, bloggers, magazines, etc. that constantly chop celebs down a daily!!! Just my thoughts….
Natural83
What Casimiransmom said. Well, said indeed.
I stand with you Janet!
Janet you took the words right out of my mouth! Wendy is such a hypocrite. Just listen to this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_jjYFZypY
Beautiful letter, very eloquently stated. This message can help more than just Wendy too.
I definitely agree with Janet Hubart on Wendy Williams and her mean comments. But I also think that Janet Hubart needs to turn the mirror on herself. Janet Hubart was just in the media a couple of months ago talking about what a bad person Will Smith was even though whatever occurred happened years ago (she really needs to let it go for her own spirit)…and while Will may have had his problems, I am sure that Janet has her problems. So she really needs to relax and stop carrying around so much anger and let go.
Nicole P
I am glad! She put fuel to the fire of the Beyonce faux pregnancy nonsense too – and everybody hangs on her word like it is gospel without using their brains.
I do watch Wendy every now and again. She takes as much as she dishes out. She knows what she does is tacky and that's all part of the 'charm' of her show. I think as far as Whitney is concerned, Wendy saw a lot of herself in Whitney, especially when it came to the struggles with drugs. Sometimes for a former addict to look at a current addict the anger is geared more towards them seeing themselves in the persons struggles and it comes across mean instead of compassionate, its a form of self hate. I don't think attacking either of them is the answer, we just all need to learn to stand in another persons shoes and try to see things from their perspective. We all have an opinion about the Whitney situation, but in the end a woman is dead, and that really is the saddest part of it all.
She did chastize the shit out of Whitney. Good for Janet for calling her out, excellent letter and I hope Wendy reads it and adjusts her behavior.
I don't think she is watching the same show I've been watching. I remember the interview but will not comment on it until I'm able to hear it again. But Wendy hasn't disrespected Janet Jackson and the whole first season with the Whitney fan was out of her pulling for Whitney because she knew (as a past addict herself) that Whitney wasn't out of the dark. I knew it also even if most people wanted to turn a blind eye to it. I record and watch almost all of Wendy's shows and they are not negative at all.
Kudos Janet! I caught that episode (I feel embarassed to admit) and couldn't believe those crocodile tears. And the emmy goes to……..!
I think that Janet was sooo write for writing that letter. We should always give people their roses while they are alive instead of trying to act like you loved them when they are gone!
Powerful piece!
Great points Aunt Viv! She keeps it so real and I love that about her.
I sort of remember what she said to Whitney. But Wendy is an entertainer. She says what she feels and it works for her audience. Do I agree with the format?? Not all the time. I do remember when Wendy had the Whitney fans for her audience to hold up before Whitney's death.
Janet made some great points. And I will be watching Wendy to see if she responds.
I love me some Wendy, but Aunt made a good point.
Very well written!
Amen Wendy, Amen! Rest in peace Whitney!
Beautifully written! Thank you!
I'm happy that someone put Miss Wendy on blast about her shenanigans (especially about Whitney). It's about time that someone finally said leave Whitney alone.
Yes! Aunt Viv better tell em! I couldn't agree more!
lol @ Wendy's eyelashes. She reminds me of a drag queen. I'm a fan though, and I feel what Janet is saying but it could've been done in a classier way, maybe sent directly to Wendy instead of out in the public?
I am so glad Aunt Viv "told her" as we used to say. When I first saw the Wendy Williams video with her "performance" about Whitney's death, I wanted to go through the screen and slap her and remind her how she continuously ridiculed and humiliated this woman as if it were her purpose in life on both her radio and talk shows.
The last thing I remember her saying about Whitney before bursting into laughter was that Whitney was about to star in a remake of Waiting to Exhale 2 but was wondering if she would be able to do it. She joked that Whitney needed to do more exhaling and less inhaling because they were too old to be on crack! She would go in on her radio show prompting Whitney to even call her out.
Thanks again Aunt Viv!
Janet Hubert is right. Wendy used to be very nasty and mean toward Whitney. Thats where all the water works came from, she feels guilty. Did she say she used to do drugs? I couldn't hear from all the tears.
I couldn't agree more, I don't watch her show but I remember the interview and remember being disgusted then. Good for you Janet for standing up for Whitney.