Whitney Houston's former bodyguard shares his side of the story and why he was hesitant to work with the singer

Whitney Houston's former bodyguard, David Roberts, has unveiled a profoundly personal moment from his years protecting the legendary singer, admitting there was once a time when his feelings for her went beyond the professional. Roberts, a former police officer whose experiences inspired the 1992 blockbuster "The Bodyguard," shared his story in an interview with the Daily Mail on December 27, before the release of his memoir "Protecting Whitney," set to hit shelves in January 2025.

Roberts, now 73, served as Houston's bodyguard from 1988 to 1995. Reflecting on their time together, he revealed an evening when their bond tested his professional resolve. "One night, she rested her head on my shoulder, and I was tempted to give up everything," Roberts admitted. "But if you cross that line, you lose your objectivity, and that makes it dangerous for the person you're protecting."

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Roberts drew a parallel between his real-life experience and the fictionalized relationship portrayed in "The Bodyguard" between Kevin Costner's Frank Farmer and Houston's Rachel Marron. "Much of what was contained in the film, she and I actually lived through," he said. "Little details, like Rachel holding onto the back of his shirt to escape crowds of fans—that was how we did it."

The bond Roberts shared with Houston was evident in small, meaningful moments, including a Post-it note she once slid under his hotel room door during a 1988 trip to Hong Kong. "I still have it," he shared. "It's rather faded with time, but still precious to me."

Facing Threats to Whitney's Safety  

Beyond their emotional connection, Roberts emphasized the gravity of his responsibility to ensure Houston's safety amid a torrent of security threats. According to Roberts, the Grammy-winning icon faced danger from embittered individuals with delusions and a sense of betrayal. "It was an ongoing program of constantly checking where these lunatics with poisoned minds might be," he explained. "I had to get it right 100 percent of the time — some idiot determined to get hold of her only has to be successful once."

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Roberts described the constant vigilance required to protect Houston, highlighting the fine line between a devoted fan and someone with dangerous intentions. "If you let any fan, however seemingly innocent, get through your guard, they could turn out to be a killer," he warned. "The golden rule is never lose sight of your principal and never let anyone get close to her."

Regrets and Anger Over Whitney's Tragic Death 

Roberts, who was initially reluctant to protect Houston, said he was struck by her intelligence, warmth, and humor when they first met. "The stereotypical attitudes I had of that industry were completely dissipated by this sophisticated young lady," he recalled in a 2017 interview with The Guardian.

Houston's untimely death in 2012 at the age of 48 remains a source of anger for Roberts. "So many people could have done so much to avoid that. They didn't. They abdicated responsibility in favor of greed," he said in the same interview.

A Memoir That Offers a Unique Perspective  

In "Protecting Whitney," Roberts provides an intimate look at his years with the iconic singer, from navigating harrowing security challenges to moments of quiet vulnerability. 

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David Roberts was hired in 1988 for the UK leg of Whitney Houston's "Moment of Truth" world tour. The synopsis of his memoir states: "There's a high standard for those who work in this industry: you must be willing to put your life on the line for your boss. Houston made that easy. Roberts had the opportunity to travel the globe with one of the most fun-loving and generous people he had ever met. His memoir shares heartwarming anecdotes from life alongside one of the world's most recognizable stars, including intimate moments such as the birth of Bobbi Kristina."

However, the memoir also contains shocking and heartbreaking revelations. Roberts witnessed some of Houston's most difficult experiences, feeling powerless as he watched those who claimed to love and support her turn a blind eye, treating her voice as merely a source of income. In the end, his heart was shattered as he observed her succumb to the one threat he could not protect her from: herself."

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Houston's life, career, and tragic death continue to captivate the world. Roberts' revelations offer a rare glimpse into the private world of an icon who remained a beacon of grace and talent even in moments of danger.