Former America’s Next Top Model star Winnie Harlow has responded to criticism of her Halloween costume in which she recreated Whitney Houston’s memorable appearance at the 2001 BET Awards.
“My video wasn’t mocking Whitney,” Harlow wrote in a post shared on her Instagram Stories. “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.”
Houston’s appearance at the 2001 BET Awards, during which she was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Tribute, sparked concern over her drug use at the time. Houston struggled with drug addiction throughout her life, and was found unconscious in a hotel room in Los Angeles in February 2012. Her cause of death was later revealed to have been from drowning, heart disease, and cocaine use. Some believed that Harlow recreating the BET Awards moment made a mockery of Houston’s struggles with drug abuse.
“People are more than headlines,” Harlow continued. “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.”
The tribute was reposted on the official Whitney Houston Instagram account, and it received mixed responses from fans in the comments. Some appreciated Harlow's commitment to the bit, while others suggested that she was mimicking a low moment in Houston's life.