RAY J DENIES DOING DRUGS WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON

In a heartfelt and candid appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, aired on July 25, 2025, R&B singer and entrepreneur Ray J (born William Ray Norwood Jr.) addressed longstanding rumors about his relationship with the late Whitney Houston and allegations tying him to her drug use and death. The interview provided a platform for Ray J to set the record straight, expressing frustration over persistent false narratives and emphasizing his deep respect and love for the iconic singer.

Ray J firmly denied claims that he ever used drugs with Houston or supplied her with any substances. “I’ve never done one drug with Whitney,” he stated emphatically, responding to Newton’s direct question about whether he witnessed Houston using drugs. He further clarified, “I’ve never sold drugs in my life,” refuting accusations that surfaced in recent court testimony related to a separate case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, where a witness incorrectly implicated Ray J in drug dealing.

The singer also addressed conspiracy theories suggesting he was involved in Houston’s tragic death on February 11, 2012, when she was found unresponsive in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The official coroner’s report listed accidental drowning, with cocaine use and heart disease as contributing factors. Ray J clarified that he was not in Los Angeles at the time of her passing, stating, “I wasn’t even in the same city,” as he was in San Diego preparing for a performance. He and Houston had planned to attend Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy event together that evening, where they intended to publicly confirm their romantic relationship. “That was my people,” Ray J said, describing their bond as genuine and personal.

Ray J expressed the emotional toll of these accusations, noting that they not only hurt him but also impact his family, particularly his young children who may encounter these headlines in the future. “This conversation was never supposed to happen,” he admitted, explaining that he had remained silent out of respect for Houston and her legacy. However, the persistent spread of misinformation, including comments on his Instagram Live where fans accused him of causing her death, prompted him to speak out. “If you look on all my comments, every time I go live, ‘You killed Whitney.’ That happens in spam,” he shared.

Reflecting on their relationship, Ray J described meeting Houston through his sister, Brandy, who idolized the legendary singer. Despite their age difference—Ray J was 31 and Houston was 42 at the time—they “hit it off” and shared a deep connection. He emphasized that Houston was the one in control, calling her a “boss” and himself the “little homie,” countering narratives that painted him as a dominant or negative influence in her life.

The interview also touched on Ray J’s frustration with other unfounded claims, such as those made by Suge Knight and Orlando Brown, who alleged his involvement in Houston’s death. Ray J dismissed these accusations as “super disrespectful” to Houston’s memory and baseless, noting that he was turned away from the Beverly Hilton when he tried to visit after learning of her passing.

Ray J’s appearance on Funky Friday was framed as potentially his “last interview,” signaling his desire to move past the rumors and focus on his family and career. He urged the public to respect Houston’s legacy and stop spreading misinformation, stating, “I have to defend myself—for me, and for my kids.” The emotional weight of the conversation underscored the lasting impact of Houston’s death on those who knew her personally, with Ray J’s candid remarks shedding light on their bond and his efforts to clear his name.