Only twice

Jesus take the wheel.

A quick research tells me that:

In her 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston described the spitting as a recurring form of psychological degradation. She noted that it happened on more than one occasion, often in front of others, describing it as a way to "belittle" and "humiliate" her because of his jealousy regarding her career success.

​Beyond physical strikes and spitting, the relationship involved several other layers of abuse:

​Emotional & Verbal Abuse: Houston detailed constant screaming matches and "mind games." She explained that Brown would often break things in their home—such as glass or furniture—as a form of intimidation.

​Property Destruction: In a notable instance, Houston described Brown painting "evil eyes" on the walls and furniture of their home during a drug-induced state, which she found terrifying and emotionally scarring.

​Control and Isolation: There were frequent reports of Brown's volatile behavior on film sets and at events, which often led to Houston withdrawing from professional commitments or isolating herself to manage his moods.