Patti LaBelle, known for her straightforward attitude, has recently hinted at Hollywood executives who allegedly attempted to sabotage Aretha Franklin’s career. Despite longstanding rumors of a feud between the two iconic singers, LaBelle has consistently denied any animosity.

The speculation of a rivalry began when Franklin appeared to snub LaBelle at the 2014 Women of Soul concert at the White House by not shaking her hand. LaBelle downplayed the incident on Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live,” suggesting it was a misunderstanding. Franklin also addressed the rumors in 2014, stating that she and LaBelle were on good terms and had always been. Despite these reassurances, stories of a rivalry persisted.

In 2016, Franklin announced her own food line following the success of LaBelle’s sweet potato pies at Walmart. Franklin joked about LaBelle needing to make space for her new products, but both singers denied any professional tension. LaBelle reiterated in 2017 that she held no grudges against anyone in the industry and refused to be pitted against other female artists.

Following Franklin’s death, LaBelle posted a heartfelt tribute, calling Franklin her “sister in song” and praising her as a rare treasure. In a 2019 interview with The Breakfast Club, LaBelle revealed that she and Franklin had planned to record a duet before Franklin’s passing. LaBelle emphasized that they had a positive relationship and frequently reminisced about their early careers together.

While LaBelle confirmed no ill will towards Franklin, she hinted at unresolved issues with some younger artists. She plans to reveal more in an upcoming movie about her experiences in the industry, where she will discuss those who dismissed or disregarded her. LaBelle noted an incident two years prior where a prominent artist ignored her at a BET special, although she did not name the person, she clarified it wasn’t Lizzo, Rihanna, or Beyoncé.

Franklin, on the other hand, had filed a $10 million lawsuit in 2014 against the fake news website News Nerd for falsely claiming that she and LaBelle had a physical altercation. The story was clearly fabricated, and Franklin found the false reports ridiculous, emphasizing that she and LaBelle were always on good terms.

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was more than just a singer; she was a powerful cultural icon. Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, she was raised in a complex family environment. Her father, C.L. Franklin, was a Baptist minister, and her mother, Barbara Franklin, was an accomplished piano player and vocalist. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where C.L. Franklin became the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, a pivotal place in Aretha’s musical and spiritual development.

Despite a challenging personal life marked by early pregnancy and a troubled marriage to Ted White, who was reportedly abusive, Franklin’s career flourished. She later married actor Glynn Turman in 1978, but this marriage also ended in divorce. Franklin’s legacy continued to grow, solidifying her place as a beloved and influential figure in music.

In her final years, Franklin maintained her dignity and dedication to her craft, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music industry. Both she and LaBelle demonstrated resilience and strength, overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve legendary status. Their stories, filled with both struggle and triumph, continue to inspire future generations of artists.