Winnie Harlow Addressed Criticism Of Her "Disrespectful" Whitney Houston Costume

Winnie Harlow responded to backlash for dressing up as Whitney Houston for Halloween. Winnie Harlow with curly hair looks to the side, wearing a sheer, textured top and gold hoop earrings at a celebrity event

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The model addressed the criticism on Sunday, three days after revealing the look to her followers. Winnie Harlow smiling energetically, wearing a patterned dress and a chunky metal necklace, seemingly on a star-themed backdrop

Winnie first paid homage to Whitney by dressing up as her in the “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” music video before later recreating Whitney’s appearance at the 2001 BET Awards, when Whitney took the stage to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. At the time, Whitney was facing intense scrutiny and speculation about her drug use, which was amplified by her visibly thin appearance and energetic behavior during the show.Whitney never publicly addressed the reaction to her appearance — though she later admitted to previously using drugs in a 2002 interview with Diane Sawyer, including marijuana and cocaine. She died in 2012 from an accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors. Whitney Houston on stage in ornate dress, arms outstretched, with backup singers and a child visible in the background

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Given that history, fans weren’t thrilled about Winnie’s decision to recreate that particular look. Winnie Harlow wearing a sparkling, embellished gown on the red carpet, exuding elegance with bold makeup and a sleek hairstyle

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One commenter 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 positive one.” Person on the red carpet in elegant, form-fitting attire, looking over their shoulder with glamorous earrings and sleek hairstyle

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Another person wrote on X, “um. i think she’s an asshole for this. she made a ‘costume’ & is reenacting a time when Whitney was in the throws of addiction.” Whitney Houston on stage in an elegant, sequined dress holding a trophy, speaking into a microphone

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“She picked the most distasteful moment to ‘honor’ her,” someone said, as another person called the costume “not cute” nor “fun,” “especially knowing what we know now.” Winnie Harlow on red carpet wearing an elegant off-shoulder dress and statement earrings, looking to the side

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Others agreed that the costume missed the mark: “Something about this feels disrespectful. Idk. Maybe I’m too woke.” Winnie Harlow close up, wearing sparkling earrings and dramatic eye makeup

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“seems like she’s mocking her,” another X user said, while one more added, “She owes everyone an apology for this nonsense.” Whitney Houston performs onstage in a sparkly dress

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Winnie addressed the backlash on her Instagram story, saying that she meant to celebrate Whitney, not mock her. “That clip has always been one of my favorites,” she said. “She was radiant, funny, confident, and captivating. She was being awarded. The way she moved across that stage with flair and swag? Iconic.” Winnie Harlow with intricate updo hairstyle and embellished gown at a celebrity event

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Winnie also shared a personal connection to Whitney. “My mother is one of her biggest fans and named me Whitney after her,” she shared. “That’s my real legal name. She’s always been a queen in my house.” Winnie Harlow poses on a red carpet wearing an off-the-shoulder gown with voluminous sleeves

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She then concluded the post by saying, “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. The light that made us all love her attention to positivity.”You can see the full post here — then let me know your thoughts in the comments. Instagram story text from Winnie Harlow addressing responses about a Halloween look, praising Whitney Houston's legacy and highlighting positivity

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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and find more resources here.

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