In a recent memoir, titled “I Am Debra Lee,” former BET CEO, Debra Lee, opens up about a relationship 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 tried to end their years-long affair, revealing shocking details 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 role in her success. However, as the conversation unfolded, Lee revealed the truth behind their relationship, which began while both were married to other people.
Details Of Their Affair
Debra Lee confesses that she and Bob Johnson had a straight up affair, leading to the dissolution of their respective marriages. Gradually, she says their relationship became public knowledge, with the company, the public, and even the media taking notice. The couple started attending events together, further fueling speculation.
Lee’s Claims Of Threats From Johnson
But as Debra Lee began to see their relationship as fleeting and wanted to end it, she says she found herself facing unexpected consequences. According to Debra, Bob Johnson held her job and career over her head, making it mad difficult for her to break free from their intimate relationship:
“The downfall of a relationship 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 longterm relationship, and my job and my career was held over my head.”
One can only 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.
Debra Lee: ‘A Different Kind of Sexual Harassment’
In a separate interview, with The Washington Post, Lee firmly stood by her claims 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 hoped that by speaking out, she could shed light on the reality faced by young women in similar unequal relationships.
The Aftermath
After years of navigating this alleged tumultuous affair, Johnson ultimately stepped down from BET in 2005, leaving Lee to assume the mantle as Chairman and CEO. Meanwhile, Johnson would go on to marry a then 36-year-old grad student, Lauren Wooden, in 2016…but their marriage ended in divorce just four years later. Debra hasn’t remarried as of yet.
Lessons Learned
Debra Lee’s memoir peels back the curtain, offering us a glimpse into the complexities of her reported relationship with BET founder, Bob Johnson. Her story serves as a reminder that power dynamics within relationships can sometimes lead to abuse of power and deeply affect one’s professional life. By sharing her experiences, Lee hopes to empower young women and encourage them to recognize when the balance of power becomes skewed.
