Elyse Jankowski/Billboard via Getty Images; Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Ray J is finally speaking out against persistent rumors that he was involved in the tragic death of legendary singer Whitney Houston, calling the claims completely false and deeply disrespectful to her memory.
Appearing on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast this past week, the R&B singer and entrepreneur addressed the years-long speculation with raw emotion and clarity.
“She was one of the most important people to me,” Ray J told Newton. “Ni**as is saying that I was in the room when she died. Bro, that’s the biggest cap I’ve ever heard.”
Singer Whitney Houston is seen performing on stage during the 2004 World Music Awards at the Thomas and Mack Center on September 15, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
For years, Ray J remained relatively quiet on the matter, even as the internet and tabloids circulated theories about his alleged presence during Houston’s final moments. Now, he says the time has come to correct the record — not for his own reputation, but to honor Whitney’s legacy.
“I didn’t care about what people were saying at first,” he said. “It’s not my truth. It’s just certain times when narratives are going to the moon. That’s not true. You have to go and you have to shut certain things down, right? The way they made that seem is so haunting to me.”
According to Ray J, he was nowhere near Houston on the night of her death in 2012, explaining that he was in San Diego for a performance. He also revealed that the two had plans to attend Clive Davis’ iconic pre-Grammy party together the following day — where they intended to publicly confirm their relationship.
Performers Whitney Houston and Ray-J sit ringside for the Joe Calzaghe of Wales and Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight bout at Thomas & Mack Center on April 19, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The Clive Davis event was the next day. We were going to go there together and we were going to make the announcement that we were [dating],” he said.
“That was my people, bro. … I barely speak on Whitney. She’s Whitney Houston. Yes, that’s Whitney Houston, but she’s Whitney to me,” Ray J added. “To me it’s just so distasteful for somebody to have to tell somebody something that the other person can’t respond to.”
Ray J attends the 2024 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
Ray J also shared why he stayed silent for so long despite the damaging rumors: he believed speaking up would be “unfair” to Houston, especially since she couldn’t defend herself.
Though their relationship was often under media scrutiny, Ray J’s recent comments show a more personal, heartfelt side of a connection he still deeply cherishes — and a narrative he now refuses to let spiral out of control any longer.
Watch Ray J’s appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast below.
