Filed under: Music, News, Celeb Updates, Radio
Former R&B chart topper Keith Washington is defending his recent actions regarding the breach of privacy of someone he considers a close friend.
Yesterday, BlackVoices.com broke the news -- showing the actual video -- of the 'Kissing You' singer making public a private conversation with ailing Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who has reportedly been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
While we stand corrected that Washington may or may not have aired the conversation on the radio station Kiss 105.9 FM, for which he recently started hosting the show 'Kisses After Dark,' the fact remains that the video of him -- in the studio talking on speakerphone with Franklin -- was serviced and promoted online.
As the news started to spread about Franklin's health, Washington was then interviewed by a local news outlet and commented on the music legend's condition.
Before our deadline yesterday, we reached out to Washington and radio station executives for comment to no avail.
Today, amid a firestorm of controversy on Websites, radio stations, social networking platforms and blogs, reps for Washington have responded.
Below, in its entirety, is a statement that was issued on Washington's behalf by way of executives at Interactive One, the digital-media arm of broadcast giant Radio One.
"Aretha Franklin has been a dear friend and colleague for over 20 years. We've toured together, prayed together and laughed together.
For the past six weeks, I have been hosting 'Kisses After Dark' on Kiss 105.9 in Detroit. In addition to being heard on the radio, a big part of the job is social networking and live video streaming. When I am not talking on the air I am working the phones with listeners and friends. The live video stream is on during my entire radio show.
On November 8 while on a break from the on-air broadcast, I called Aretha Franklin because it had just come to my attention she had to cancel her tour plans for the next six months due to health issues. Since Aretha's been sick, I've been heartsick.
Our conversation was captured on the live video stream, as are others, but I was not aware her end of the conversation was audible to the microphone.
At no time, was our conversation aired or broadcast on the radio -- like many blogs and even reputable news organizations have claimed.
It is regrettable that anybody would characterize this as unethical when she is a dear friend. All I can say is that I've been talking about Aretha to my fans for years and me sharing my feelings about her with my audience was nothing unusual for me. I love her and her family dearly.
I am troubled by how the video has been received -- not for myself, but for any pain it caused my friend.
I would never consciously do anything to hurt her or invade Aretha Franklin's privacy. Both Radio One and I regret any distress this has caused to Aretha Franklin, her family or the public."
Her Royal Highness
After recording a string of jazz and blues projects for Columbia Records, Memphis born songstress Aretha Franklin landed at Atlantic Records in 1966. "They made me sit down on the piano and the hits came," she later said about her legacy there.
Aretha Franklin performing during a Martin Luther King Benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on June 28, 1968.
Aretha Franklin with 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius. Franklin was one of many entertainers who performed on the long-running show during its 1970s heyday.
Aretha Franklin rehearsing for Inaugural Eve program for newly elected US President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale at the Kennedy Center in 1977.
Flanked in fur, Aretha Franklin in the press room at the Grammy Awards, circa early 1980s.
Aretha Franklin performing in Chicago on April 18, 1985.
Aretha Franklin, pictured here with Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun (circa early 1990s), at a private music industry party.
Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti are photographed at the 8th Annual Music Cares Gala in Honor of the famed opera singer. The event took place at New York City's posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 23, 1998.
Aretha Franklin held royal court during the broadcast of 'VH1 Divas Live' at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 14, 1998. During the show's finale a stirring rendition of her classic song, 'Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),' The Queen of Soul is joined by Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Celine Dion and Shania Twain.
On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton, along with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, awarded Aretha Franklin with the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
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