Was Patti Wrong for Exposing Luther?

Was Patti Wrong for Exposing Luther? The Drama Behind Her Omission from the Documentary

Luther Vandross Performs The National Anthem At San Francisco 49ers V New York Jets

Source: Al Pereira / Getty

Beyond the world of music, Patti LaBelle and Luther Vandross were more than just icons—they were friends. But when Patti spoke on Luther’s sexuality, it left those close to him feeling some type of way. Fast forward to today, and the tea is still piping hot with the release of Luther: Never Too Much, a documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary singer. Produced by Jamie Foxx and others, the film explores Vandross’ rise to fame, his collaborations, and his personal relationships. But guess who didn’t make the final cut? Patti LaBelle. And the streets are saying it might be payback for Patti not keeping things under wraps.

Reports are swirling that Patti, who sat down with the documentary’s producers for an hour-long interview, was cut from the final edit after she refused to sign the release forms. Why? Because she wanted to see the film before it hit the screens. A source told Page Six that some producers thought Patti’s request was reasonable, but others weren’t comfortable including her after she didn’t sign on the dotted line. What’s more, they included a clip from her 2017 Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen interview, where she seemingly outed Luther.

During that infamous interview, Patti shared that Luther didn’t come out publicly because he didn’t want to upset his mother, even though she probably knew. While some felt Patti was just speaking her truth, others saw it as a betrayal to Luther’s wish to keep his private life private.

Now, with Patti’s scenes left on the cutting room floor, fans are debating: Was she wrong for speaking on Luther’s sexuality? And was her exclusion from the documentary a subtle clapback for not playing by the rules? It’s a messy situation with no clear answer, but one thing’s for sure—the drama adds another layer to the legacy of both Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle.