The United States vs. Billie Holiday 2021 Watch Online

The United States vs. Billie Holiday: A Compelling Story

Billie Holiday Faces Government Persecution

In 1957, Billie Holiday meets with a radio journalist, Reginald Lord Devine, for an interview. He asks her about the trouble she keeps getting into because of her hit song “Strange Fruit”. Billie states that the lyrics are about human rights, something the government often forgets.

Government Targets Billie

In the 1940s, the FBN chief Harry J. Anslinger declares Billie as a top priority for his agents, seeing her politically threatening due to her songs’ nature. Unable to arrest her for singing, they go after her on drug charges. After witnessing her doing drugs, Agent Jimmy Fletcher arrests Billie and her lover Joe Guy. Billie is sentenced to a year in jail after Guy testifies against her.

Jimmy’s Change of Heart

Anslinger assigns Jimmy to visit Billie in prison to incriminate her further. Instead, Jimmy convinces Billie to not trust anyone and keep her nose clean. After her release, she meets promoter John Levy and begins a relationship. However, Levy eventually betrays her by planting drugs on her person.

The Heartbreaking End

Billie marries Louis McKay but leaves him for Jimmy. In 1959, she is dying in a hospital from liver failure after years of alcohol abuse. Anslinger offers to erase her criminal record in exchange for names of drug-using acquaintances. Billie defiantly refuses, knowing her impact will live on through her music.

Watch the compelling story of The United States vs. Billie Holiday online now and witness the incredible journey of a legendary artist.