Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

American soul singer Whitney Houston circa 1988 Duncan Raban/EMPICS Entertainment
FBI files

Whitney Houston's FBI file uncovers alleged extortion attempt

The 128-page file also details FBI investigations into threats allegedly made against the singer.

The FBI has released its files on a trio of investigations the agency conducted on behalf of Whitney Houston.

The records released this week show the agency conducted one investigation into an alleged extortion attempt in 1992, but agents and prosecutors determined no crime occurred.

A payment of $250,000 (approximately €191,000) was apparently sought at the time in order to prevent private information from being made public.

Agents also found no evidence of criminal threats to the singer in fan mail that was sent to the FBI for investigation in 1988 and 1999.

The 128-page file covers the height of the Grammy-winning singer’s popularity but does not contain any new personal details.

Records on the FBI’s extortion investigation in which Houston was interviewed at the New Jersey offices of her management company are heavily redacted.

Houston drowned in a hotel bathtub on the eve of the 2012 Grammy Awards.

- Additional reporting by AP

Read: Best Whitney Houston cover you’ll hear today >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
9
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.