In a stunning revelation, Diana Ross, the iconic queen of Motown, has finally named the seven artists she despised.

 

 

At 81, she’s breaking her silence on decades of hidden grudges and unspoken rivalries.

The drama surrounding her relationships with fellow musicians has long been the subject of speculation, but now, the truth is coming to light.

From a backstage incident that nearly derailed a million-dollar performance to betrayals that cut deep, Diana’s story is one of resilience and survival in an unforgiving industry.

As she reflects on her past, fans are left wondering: who made the cut, and why did these artists earn her ire?

Let’s dive into the shocking details of Diana Ross’s complicated relationships and uncover the names that have haunted her for years.

The Backstage Incident That Shook Diana

 

 

The story begins in 1983 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where Diana was set to perform.

Just before showtime, chaos erupted backstage when a crew member rushed in with alarming news about one of the guests.

Diana’s reaction was immediate and fierce.

“If he’s here, I’m not,” she declared, a testament to the unspoken grudge that had festered for years.

This moment set the stage for a revealing exploration of her relationships with other artists.

Michael Jackson: The Protégé Who Became a Rival

 

 

One of the first names on Diana’s list is none other than Michael Jackson.

In the 1970s, Michael was more than just the lead singer of the Jackson 5; he was Diana’s chosen one.

She took him under her wing, introducing him to high society and treating him like family.

But as Michael’s fame skyrocketed, he began to distance himself from Diana, skipping her events and avoiding her calls.

Their once-close bond soured, culminating in a painful moment at an awards ceremony where he failed to acknowledge her contributions.

Diana later reflected, “Never again, Michael,” marking the end of their relationship.

Barry Gordy: The Mogul Who Built and Betrayed

 

 

Next on the list is Barry Gordy, the mastermind behind Motown Records.

Diana and Barry were not just collaborators; they were lovers and creative partners.

Together, they crafted a musical empire, but their relationship was fraught with power struggles.

As Diana sought independence, Barry’s controlling nature became a source of tension.

When she signed a lucrative deal with RCA, Barry felt betrayed, leading to a rift that would forever change their dynamic.

Diana’s quiet departure from Motown was a powerful statement of her desire for creative freedom.

Mary Wilson: The Betrayal of a Sister

 

 

The next name on Diana’s list is Mary Wilson, her former bandmate in The Supremes.

Once united in their rise to fame, their relationship soured as Diana became the group’s focal point.

Mary felt overshadowed and betrayed by Diana’s success, leading to decades of bitterness.

When a reunion tour was proposed, their unresolved issues resurfaced, resulting in a fallout that left both women heartbroken.

Diana’s silence on the matter spoke volumes about the pain of losing a sister in the industry.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul’s Dismissive Remarks

 

 

Diana’s rivalry with Aretha Franklin is legendary.

Despite their mutual respect, their competitive spirits clashed on numerous occasions.

At a tribute to Stevie Wonder, Diana attempted to greet Aretha, only to be met with a cold shoulder.

Aretha’s infamous quip about Diana’s singing style—“Some people sing; some people pose”—was a direct hit that Diana never forgot.

This rivalry was marked by subtle jabs and a lack of public reconciliation, leaving their relationship in a state of perpetual tension.

David Bowie: The Friendship That Turned Sour

 

 

David Bowie, once a close friend and collaborator, also made it onto Diana’s list.

Their initial camaraderie was overshadowed by a cutting remark Bowie made about her hit song “Upside Down.”

His dismissive comment stung deeply, leading Diana to feel betrayed by someone she once admired.

From that moment on, their paths diverged, and Diana vowed never to work with him again.

Quincy Jones: The Collaborator Who Closed the Door

 

 

Quincy Jones, the legendary producer, is another name that Diana has kept on her mind.

Initially, he was seen as a potential collaborator for her post-Motown career.

However, when he brushed off her requests, Diana felt the sting of rejection from someone she respected.

His comments about her being “past her prime” were a harsh reminder of the industry’s fickle nature.

Lionel Richie: The Duet Partner Who Vanished

 

 

Finally, Lionel Richie’s betrayal stung the most.

After their successful duet “Endless Love,” plans for a co-headlining tour fell apart when Lionel chose to focus on his solo career instead.

Diana was blindsided by his decision, leading to a silent rift that neither artist ever publicly addressed.

For Diana, it was a painful reminder of how quickly alliances can dissolve in the pursuit of fame.

 

 

Diana Ross’s revelations about the artists she despised provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of her relationships.

These stories reveal the resilience of a woman who has navigated the turbulent waters of fame and betrayal.

At 81, she is finally sharing her truth, reminding us that the music industry is not just about glitz and glamour—it’s also about loyalty, love, and the scars that come with success.

As fans process this new information, one question remains: which betrayal hit the hardest?

Diana has spoken, and her silence has finally ended.