An interesting element to Lifetime’s Whitney, which the storyline didn’t delve into too deeply, was the legendary singer’s relationship with lifelong friend Robyn Crawford. For years, there has been speculation that the two were a little more than friends. When addressed with questions about the nature of Crawford and Houston’s relationship, Whitney executive producer Angela Bassett insisted that she’s just as clueless about it as we are; however, she broached the subject with subtlety in the film, as the speculation was also part of the singer’s story.
“There always has been [rumors] and they still persist and I don’t know,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “But, there was always the speculation, so my thing was, let it remain. But it’d be however the audience sees it. If they read into it, that’s what they read into [regarding] their life – two women who are close and love each other and support one another.”
“I think what they had between them is a real, honest and fierce affection and caring for one another,” Bassett continued. “May we all have a friend who will fight for us.”
Apparently, she also wasn’t too interested in delving into Houston and Crawford’s relationship because the singer’s sexuality didn’t have much to do with the story that the production team sought to convey.
“[Whitney’s sexuality] really wasn’t that important,” Bassett said. “What was important to me was, they were good friends and they really cared about one another, and that’s a good thing. Now, whatever else you wanna read or tell or say–it’s good, it’s bad– it’s what you put on it.”
Interestingly, she shared that she’s no stranger to lesbian rumors, herself.
“Listen, it’s been said of me. I moved to LA and lived with a friend of mine who was an actress — I didn’t wanna live alone in this big town!” she laughed. “Then after a while there was speculation, and it was like, ‘Lord, let me get my own place!'”
Did the interactions between the twosome catch your attention while you were watching Whitney?
