Patti LaBelle Feels She Was Painted as “Villain” in Luther Vandross Documentary
Recently, a Luther Vandross documentary was released on CNN and it seems a few of Vandross’ closest friends aren’t too happy about their depiction. Specifically, Patti LaBelle feels that she was made out to be a “villain” in the late musician’s story.
LaBelle reflects on her close relationship with Vandross as the two were friends for decades which even led to their families being close. But, when the “Never Too Much“ documentary aired, LaBelle felt she was portrayed as a “villain” rather than a close friend.
Patti LaBelle Heartbroken Over Luther Vandross Documentary
In the documentary, Vandross’ sexuality is discussed. When Labelle was asked questions, she did answer in return but once aired the singer felt that she was made out to look like one of the people who would gossip about Vandross’ sexuality behind his back.
Page Six reports that LaBelle did an hour-long interview on her relationship with Vandross and parts of that interview were broken down to be featured in the documentary that aired on New Year’s Day. However, reports state that her interviews were not used due to her not signing a release when she was denied being able to see a final cut.
Instead, producers used an older interview with LaBelle from 2017 confirming the rumors about Vandross’ sexuality. In that interview, LaBelle addresses his sexuality and says, “We talked about it… He did not want his mother to be [upset] — although she might have known — but, he wasn’t going to come out and say this to the world.”
Also featured in the documentary is Vandross’ songwriting partner, Richard Marx, who says, “One of the things that really pissed me off is there are people who have talked about his personal life, people who he considered friends.”
Now, LaBelle is upset that she was made out to look a certain way when it comes to one of her closest friends and someone she built a relationship with for decades. Have you seen the documentary? Do you think they painted her in a negative light?
