Whitney Houston fans slam Winnie Harlow for ‘turning her pain into a Halloween costume’

Winnie Harlow is facing fierce backlash after recreating one of the most vulnerable parts of Whitney Houston’s life.

The 31-year-old model caused an uproar online after posting images of herself dressed as the late icon at the 2001 BET Awards; It was a moment when Houston’s gaunt appearance and erratic stage presence fueled intense concern and speculation about her health and alleged drug use.

Houston died of accidental drowning in 2012 at the age of 48; heart disease and cocaine use were listed as contributing factors.

Many fans accused Harlow of capitalizing on Houston’s pain rather than honoring her legacy; he called the look ‘tone deaf’, ‘disrespectful’ and likened to glorifying the superstar’s lowest point.

Social media quickly came under fire, with fans calling the costume “tone deaf” and “disrespectful” to Houston’s memory.

“All these people around you and no one could speak up and say this was inappropriate and classless,” one Instagram user wrote under her post.

Another added: ‘This was not the respect Whitney deserved… He chose to recreate Whitney during one of her most difficult times, when the world could clearly see she was no good.’

‘Of all the good moments of Whitney’s life, you chose to portray her in one of her worst times,’ they continued.

A third wrote: ‘Making fun of an exceptional woman at her most vulnerable is very inflexible.’

‘You can pay tribute to an icon without turning his pain into a costume. A fourth said Whitney deserves to be remembered for her voice, her strength, her grace, not her worst moments.

After the reactions increased, Harlow addressed the controversy in a statement on her Instagram Story.

‘This clip has always been one of my favourites. She was sparkling, funny, confident and charming… How did she cross that stage with flair and swagger? Iconic,’ he explained in his tribute.

Harlow also revealed a personal connection to the late singer: ‘My mom is one of her biggest fans and she named me Whitney after her. This is my real legal name.

He added that Houston should be remembered for its spirit, not its struggles.

Houston died of accidental drowning in 2012 at the age of 48; heart disease and cocaine use were listed as contributing factors; Seen in Houston 2001

Many fans accused Harlow of capitalizing on Houston’s pain rather than honoring her legacy, calling the appearance “tone deaf,” “disrespectful” and akin to glorifying the superstar’s lowest point.

After the reactions increased, Harlow addressed the controversy in a statement on her Instagram Story.

‘If all you see when you see Whitney is her struggles, you’re missing her charisma, humor, talent and intelligence. ‘He was so funny and charming,’ the former reality star wrote.

Harlow concluded her message by urging people to focus on positivity and the light Houston brings to the world.

While some fans defended Harlow’s intentions and praised her admiration for Houston, others insisted the model crossed the line by recreating a moment heavily associated with the superstar’s battle with addiction.

Nevertheless, Houston’s Instagram account, managed by The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, reposted the video.

Harlow also received some love from Naomi Campbell, Ciara and Shay Mitchell in the comments section.