In a recent memoir, titled “I Am Debra Lee,” former BET CEO, Debra Lee, speak out about a conncetion with BET billionaire founder, Bob Johnson, that had more twists and turns than a binge-worthy drama series.
Debra candidly shares the challenges she faced when she attempt to end their years-long affair, revealing shocking information about how her job and career were allegedly held hostage.
In an interview, with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, Debra initially referred to Bob as a “mentor” who played a significant character in her success. But, as the conversation unfolded, Lee opened the truth behind their connection, which began while both were married to other people.
Debra Lee confesses that she and Bob Johnson had a straight up affair, leading to the dissolution of their respective weddings. Gradually, she says their connection became public knowledge, with the company, the public, and even the media taking notice. The duo began attending events together, further fueling speculation.
But as Debra Lee began to see their connection as fleeting and wanted to end it, she says she discover herself facing unexpected consequences. As per to Debra, Bob Johnson held her job and career over her head, making it mad difficult for her to break free from their intimate connection:
“The downfall of a connection like that is if you want to get out of it,” she added. “I wanted to break up, I saw that it wasn’t a long term relationship, and my job and my career was held over my head.”
One can just imagine the intense pressure she experienced at that time. With two decades at BET under her belt at that time, Lee would have risked losing everything.
In a separate interview, with The Washington Post, Lee firmly stood by her asserted of Johnson threatening her career if she dared to leave. She explained how this form of power, imbalance, and control can lead to a toxic and abusive environment. Lee wondered that by speaking out, she could shed light on the reality faced by young women in similar unequal connections.