I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a Capricorn (if you believe in that) or if it’s because I was raised a certain way but I make no bones about holding money a little close to the heart. So just as I was adding up all the money I’ve spent in former relationships and literally about to kick myself in the ass, I read this story about Whitney from Bossip.com. It straight doesn’t make me feel that much better though. One one hand, I could’ve lost a lot more change but on the other hand, am I comparing myself with a crack head?

WHITNEY HOUSTON allegedly paid a $400,000 (£270,920) ransom to kidnappers who were threatening to kill her ex-husband BOBBY BROWN, according to a sensational new book.

Houston and Brown divorced in 2007 after nearly 15 years of marriage and their union was plagued with rumours of drug problems. In his autobiography, Preacher of the Streets, former gang member David Collins claims Brown was snatched over a $25,000 (£17,000) debt to a drug dealer, and held bound and gagged at gunpoint by members of a New York street gang known as the Preacher Crew.

Collins alleges the fearsome group decided to extort more money than was owed, and Brown was allowed to call Houston who delivered $400,000 (£270,920) in exchange for the safe return of her husband.

Collins writes, “They came to an agreement. She was personally going to bring $400,000 to get her man back. The next day, she did just that. She was wearing a wig.”

The alleged event took place in April 1993 - at the peak of Houston’s fame.

The kidnapping was never reported to the police, and representatives for both Houston and Brown have refused to discuss the claims.