Canadian model Winnie Harlow has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after unveiling her Halloween tribute to music legend Whitney Houston, with critics branding the costume as deeply insensitive.
The 30-year-old supermodel took to Instagram to share multiple photos of herself dressed as Houston from the singer's iconic 1992 'I Will Always Love You' music video, complete with the original white tank top and messy bun hairstyle.
Fans Voice Outrage Over 'Tasteless' Portrayal
Almost immediately, the comments section flooded with criticism from fans and followers who felt the costume crossed ethical boundaries. Many pointed to Houston's well-documented struggles with substance abuse and her tragic death in 2012 at age 48.
'This is so distasteful considering her addiction struggles and untimely death,' wrote one user, capturing the sentiment of hundreds of similar comments.
Another follower commented: 'Whitney's story ended in tragedy. Dressing up as her for Halloween feels wrong and disrespectful to her memory.'
The Fine Line Between Tribute and Exploitation
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about whether dressing as deceased celebrities, particularly those who died tragically, constitutes honouring their legacy or exploiting their suffering for entertainment.
Harlow's costume specifically referenced Houston's appearance during what many consider the peak of her career. However, critics argue that given Houston's subsequent struggles and heartbreaking demise, the portrayal feels inappropriate for a festive occasion like Halloween.
As one social media user succinctly put it: 'Some legends should be celebrated through their music, not worn as costumes.'
At the time of writing, Harlow has not publicly responded to the growing backlash surrounding her Halloween tribute.
