Model Winnie Harlow is addressing backlash claiming she was “mocking” late and legendary songstress Whitney Houston‘s “iconic” 2001 BET Awards speech for Halloween this year.
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On October 29, Harlow shared various videos and photos of her recreating Houston’s look from her “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” music video and behind-the-scenes from it.
Harlow also recreated Houston’s iconic moment of her at the 2001 BET Awards. Before “going viral” was a thing, Houston was the talk of the town after accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her speech continues to go viral, resulting in Harlow recreating the iconic moment of her on stage. However, some folks on social media have taken an issue with the recreation of that particular moment. Social users have accused the model of “mocking” the iconic singer at a time when she was facing drug allegations, etc.
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Winnie Harlow Addresses ‘Mocking’ Backlash After Recreating Whitney Houston’s ‘Iconic’ 2001 BET Awards Speech For Halloween
While taking to her Instagram Story on Sunday (November 2), Harlow wrote, “Firstly, Majority of the responses have been incredibly positive! I’ve loved seeing you guys love these Halloween looks.” Harlow then addressed the criticism of her Halloween look. She added:
“My video wasn’t mocking Whitney. That clip has Always been one of my favorite moments of hers. She was radiant, funny, confident, and captivating. She was being awarded. The way she moved across that stage with flair and swag? Iconic. ‘You betta lay low’ is something I say at least once a week. My mother is one of her biggest fans and named me Whitney after her, that’s my real legal name. She’s always been a queen in my house.
People are more than headlines. A woman who could command a room, make you laugh & carry herself like royalty. If all you see when you see Whitney are her struggles, you’re missing her charisma, humor, talent, personality, & wit. She was hilarious & magnetic. THAT is and what should always be highlighted. love her. attention to positivity.”
In the comment sections under Harlow’s Houston homages, and even under the repost on Houston’s official Instagram account, critics called out the supermodel. One person wrote, “If this was a reenactment of a more positive part of Whitney’s career and impact on the earth I would be ok with you pretending to be her every now and then because you did such a good job. I think you should do a more positive one.”
Another person wrote, “There were NO other ‘iconic’ moments you could’ve chosen? Out of the length of her career? Anything else where she isn’t at her lowest? Disrespectful. Some skinfolk ain’t kinfolk.” Another wrote, “How is this paying respect to someone? You reenact a low point in her life. All for some likes.”
Another added, “Mocking an exceptional woman at her most vulnerable is no flex.” One user added, “I’m offended. Too big a Whitney fan for this. Next year someone should put white powder all around they body n mouth n do u that’ll b funny.” Another user shared, “I meeeeeeaan to do one of her most embarrassing moments? Let that woman rest in peace.”
However, other users defended Harlow’s Houston recreation. One said, “I’m sorry this sh*t funny!! I love Whit!! It was funny and iconic when she did it too lol!! People need to stop playing!” Another user defended, “Y’all realize Whitney has had way worse moments than this… Y’all should be happy she’s not reenacting her reality show… I’m sorry but this was spot on and good people are overly sensitive.”
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