In the ‘80s and ‘90s, many knew of Whitney Houston as a beautiful and talented songstress. In 1992, after a three year courtship with Bobby Brown, she married the infamous New Edition member. The pair seemed to be as opposite as oil and water, but they persistently defended their love. In 2004, the public was granted a look at the inner-workings of their relationship and home on the television show “Being Bobby Brown.” The reality show confirmed for many that their relationship was in fact uniquely dysfunctional. However, it wasn’t until September 14, 2009, after years of silence, that Whitney Houston opened up to Oprah Winfrey and went public about her marriage with Bobby Brown being tumultuous and drug-ridden. Houston’s honest interview revealed the fragile side of a musical powerhouse.
Houston recounted troubling memories when her marriage with Bobby Brown had reached its chaotic peak and moments when physical abuse occurred. With a bit of probing by Winfrey, Houston revealed three separate accounts when Brown used physical abuse and intimidation — he spit on her, shoved her against a wall, and slapped her. At the time that Bobby Brown slapped Whitney Houston, Brown was on probation for traffic violations. Understanding the law and limitations of his being on probation, Houston called the police for his arrest. In clear violation of his probation, Brown’s case went to court for domestic violence. Nevertheless, Houston appeared in court everyday in support of her husband. Bobby Brown was not convicted and has since publicly denied ever hitting Whitney Houston.
In October of 2006, Whitney Houston filed for a legal separation from Bobby Brown. In situations like the Houston-Brown marriage, where the relationship was tumultuous over an extended period of time, one may consider if charges could be filed for past abuse. Depending upon the severity of the abuse and the state of where it occurred, physical abuse could be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony. Generally speaking, if the crime is considered a misdemeanor, then it could be dismissed after two years without prosecution under a statute of limitations. However, a felony crime is not held to the same statute of limitations. The period of prosecution for a felony can be extended over many years, which is why we have seen cases reopen when new evidence is found against a suspect.
Although it is appalling to hear some of the indecencies Brown committed against Houston, it doesn’t appear that any of his offenses towards her would count as felonies. From the tone of her interview with Winfrey, Houston doesn’t sound like she will dive into her past and take Brown to court. It appears at this point that Whitney Houston is mostly interested in moving forward, staying drug-free, raising her daughter in a healthy environment, and taking her rightful place as one of America’s brightest musical gems.
Posted by Adrienne on September 18, 2009 at 5:50 pm.
