Model Winnie Harlow Defends Whitney Houston Halloween Look Following Backlash: She’s Always Be A Queen In My House

Model Winnie Harlow Defends Whitney Houston Halloween Look Following Backlash: She’s Always Be A Queen In My House

#WinnieHarlow says her #WhitneyHouston Halloween tribute came from a place of love, not disrespect.

For spooky season, the model, who rose to fame on America’s Next Top Model, paid homage to the late music legend with a series of themed costumes. One look recreated Whitney’s memorable appearance at the 2001 #BETAwards, where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. After sharing the reenactment online, Winnie received mixed reactions. While some fans praised the tribute as lighthearted and creative, others accused her of “mocking” the I Will Always Love You icon.

Reacting to the backlash, Winnie said in a statement shared via her IG Story, “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.”

She continued, “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. … A woman who could command a room, make you laugh & carry herself , like royalty.”

Tribute or mockery: what’s your take, #TJBCrew?