Has Enquirer Gone Too Far With Whitney Houston Open Casket Photo?
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The National Enquirer has published a photo of Whitney Houston in an open casket on the cover of this week’s issue, sparking outrage over whether the tabloid has finally gone too far.
The unauthorized picture, accompanied by the headline “Whitney: The Last Photo,” shows Houston lying in a gold coffin with cream-colored lining accentuated with her childhood nickname, “Nippy,” and music symbols. Houston is wearing a purple dress, a broach and earrings.
According to the U.K.’s Daily Mail, the Enquirer claims the picture was taken at the private viewing held at Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J., last Friday, on the eve of Houston’s funeral. The Enquirer did not reveal who took the picture, and there was no credit on the photo.
The image has provoked a strong reaction on Twitter. “No privacy for Whitney, even in death,” one person tweeted “Disgusting,” tweeted another.
More than 1,000 friends and relatives, including Oprah Winfrey, Kevin Costner and Tyler Perry, gathered for the funeral service for the pop star at her childhood church, New Hope Baptist in Newark.
Houston’s lifeless body was found in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel the night before the Grammy Awards. She was 48 years old when she died.
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Broach: v: to raise a topic/subject for discussion
Brooch: n: a decorative jewelry item designed to be attached to garments.
Posted by: Miss Nitpick | February 23, 2012, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
Of course it’s tasteless and wrong for The Enquirer to run the photo. That is beyond debate. Not even worth discussing. The question is: who took the photo? A problem with celebrity is the narcissism that goes a long with it. 1,000 friends and family? NOBODY has 1,000 friends and family. I don’t care who you are. Had it been restricted to TRUE friends and family, there would be no photo.
Posted by: AW47 | February 23, 2012, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
The owner for the National Enquirer should be ashame of him/herself what if was your mother, sister aunt, or whom ever was a celebrity would you their picture LAST PICTURE to PLASTER for their kid to see? you people trash and everone should BOYCOTT you paper AND SHUT YOU PAPER DOWN AND PUT YOU ALL OUT OF BUSINESS. SHAME, SHAME.
Posted by: juls | February 23, 2012, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
It isn’t so much the picture as to if the person who took the picture profited from this….That is the sad part about this story…
Posted by: Nikki | February 23, 2012, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm
Not news.
Posted by: Paula D. | February 23, 2012, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
Actually, post mortem photographs of the loved one in the casket were once taken more often than not in this country. It was often the only photograph the family had of the loved one. And still is done in many place of the USA just usually not East coast or West coast. So calm down folks, the photo itself was a right of those attending – selling it was NOT
Posted by: Becki Thompson | February 23, 2012, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
This is par for the course for the Enquirer. The sleazier the better. It is sad though and disrespectful to the family.
Posted by: Lewis | February 23, 2012, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
The Enquirer and similar tabloids that engage in this type of …well, it’s NOT journalism…but whatever it is, should be boycotted by the consuming public. Unfortunately, too many people eat this stuff up. Same for programs like Inside Edition do the video version of this stuff…where the show the same clip 6 or 7 times to sensationalize anything and everything. It’s a disgrace. The paparazzi who dog these celebrities are lower than pond scum.
Posted by: LeftIsright | February 23, 2012, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Now people want privacy after opening her memorial to the public and broadcasting it on numerous television channels?
Posted by: Ryan | February 23, 2012, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
Security detail/policemen.
Posted by: F | February 23, 2012, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
Curiosity got to me, so I went on-line to see why everyone was up in arms over the Enquirer showing the photo that clearly someone so-called “close” to the family took, and it was on every link I looked at…………………If nobody had said anything about it, less people would have seen it, but the media goes ***** and now everyone can see it!……………All of the media is culpable at this picture getting widespread………..All of the media went “too far”.
Posted by: Sue | February 23, 2012, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
I agree, totally disgusting and disgraceful. I agree with the reviewer who said everyone should boycott this vile newspaper.
Posted by: Maria | February 23, 2012, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
Sadly, there is nothing new about this sort of sick voyerism.
Lennon’s corpse was somehow photographed in the MORGUE and run on the cover of tabloids.
As long as there are people willing to BUY the publications which put out such filth (and/or who have a sick desire to SEE it) there will be money to be made and those willing to make it/supply the demand.
Then again, there is along history of famous/powerful dead humans lying in state for others to view and an even longer history of human fascination with death and the morbid/obscene. I doubt we’ll see an end to it anytime soon.
Posted by: RAVEN | February 23, 2012, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
They did this to show the public that she was not sporting a Gold Grille on her teeth. This will deter grave-robbers from opening the grave.
Posted by: Billy Luther King Jr. | February 23, 2012, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Who freakin’ cares?!?!?
Posted by: A Cynic | February 23, 2012, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
P.S.
How much did the invited “mourner” get for the photo?
That person is the real guilty party here.
The Enquirer just did its “job”, no matter if we like it or not.
Posted by: Sue | February 23, 2012, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
I had to laugh at the “outrage”. How is it any different if a thousand, or a thousand million people view her dead body. It’s on display either way. It’s not her, it’s a dead shell of meat and bone she lived in. SHE’S GONE. Get over it.
Posted by: NATS | February 23, 2012, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
so where’s da pitcha already???
Posted by: uub | February 23, 2012, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
I saw the picture and she was beautiful. She was wearing over a half a million in jewelry. That family needs to let it be known that the jewels weren’t buried with her because there are nut jobs that would try and dig her up for that.
Posted by: LEE | February 23, 2012, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
It’s my understanding that the African-American culture chooses to have death photos of loved ones. I say to each their own on that matter. And how is this any worse than photos of Michael Jackson? JFK? I don’t know if Elvis was photographed, but I’m sure he would have been if cell phones existed back then. It’s the sneaky, betrayal of someone close to the family that irks me. As for the ragmag stooping to this low…they’ve always been the dregs. No surprise here.
Posted by: wildblue | February 23, 2012, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
My two nieces took a picture of my mother in her casket and my sons and I flipped. WHY would anyone want a picture of a dead person.
Posted by: irishrose | February 23, 2012, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
She is dead. She has been dead for 20 days. Who cares. Really?
Posted by: Leigh | February 23, 2012, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
7 Marines were killed in a mid-air collision in Arizona today. Whitney was a drug addict, now she is dead. Get over it.
Posted by: Kelly | February 23, 2012, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Oh Whoopie you are so wise
Posted by: Iassume | February 23, 2012, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
And because of this story…..we all went and Googled the photo!
Posted by: Manda | February 23, 2012, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
At least it wasn’t a picture of her in the bathtub…
Posted by: Sam | February 23, 2012, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
great singer and sad that she is dead but she is dead and funeral is over. what happened to the story of obama abusiing air force one ?
Posted by: catman | February 23, 2012, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
I have not seen the picture of the casket but the Nat Inq says it is a gold casket; does anyone remember the casket Whitney is buried in is silver as they stated many times during the service. Is that a trick camera taking pictures or someone getting paid for false documents? If the Inquirer paid for false documents – oh well.
Posted by: Al | February 23, 2012, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
The woman is dead. The world has not stopped spinning. Four Americans were killed in Afghanistan by Afghans. Obama is apologizing to the Afghans for burning the Koran but no apologies coming back for Karzai’s troops killing Americans. If you call this a news site, try to stay on the news and leave the entertainment news for the brain dead.
Posted by: WAHEID | February 23, 2012, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
I don’t see the harm in it. People take pictures ALL the time. I don’t think people should lose their job over this. Those of us who loved whitney that could not be there wouldn’t mind seeing her at peace. I don’t see the issue.
Posted by: Erica | February 23, 2012, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
Didn’t she die like two weeks ago? Why is the media still talking about this? How long does the media plan on milking this story? I don’t remember other celebrities getting this kind of press coverage when they passed away. Its strange. She was a pop singer for god’s sake. She didn’t cure cancer. Is the “breaking news coverage” of this story going to last another two weeks?
Posted by: michael1_4 | February 23, 2012, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
I loved her music and yes the Enquirer went too far (it’s the Enquirer, what do you expect?) but the media need to give the Whitney thing a rest. Family members are still grieving. More important issues demand attention (Iran and nukes, attacks in Afghanistan, tensions in Syria, rising gas prices, presidential race, etc.).
Posted by: JustMeIntheRock | February 23, 2012, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
Oh, gee, another ‘outrage’. How many is this in the overall scheme of things—in the Trillions? The effect of using the word ‘outrage’ is being lessened by the minute. I’m getting to the point that I am ignoring them even when they may be appropriate. I get the distinct impression that they are being used to manipulate instead of expressing a genuine sense of indignation.
Posted by: Perplexed | February 23, 2012, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
I think the thought of Joy Behar’s ashes covering someone is grosser than an open casket picture and day of the week.
Posted by: David Tremblay | February 23, 2012, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
When was the Enquirer EVER known to be a reputable and ethical publication? This is on the tacky side however.
Posted by: msyellarose | February 23, 2012, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
She looks really clean — like she just had a bath.
Posted by: FahFah | February 23, 2012, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Know what the real sad part is? People buy the Enquierer. If they didn’t it would not be in business. I would never buy it and I do not understand the people who do. If people would stop buying it, they couldn’t do this type of sick thing. And who would take the picture and sell it? they are not a friend. It’s very very sad.
Posted by: Barb | February 23, 2012, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Also, is the Enquirer going to be responsible ( since they claim she was interred with a half-million dollars worth of jewelry) if some fool goes and attempts to dig her up?
Posted by: msyellarose | February 23, 2012, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
Go Whoopi!! You’re dead to right on this one. Shame them openly!
Posted by: Michelle | February 23, 2012, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
Lee, Elvis was photographed in casket by the Enquirer. I have a copy of Enquirer it was in.
Posted by: KODY | February 23, 2012, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
If her family wanted her to be “viewed” by everyone, they would have had an open casket. Whoever sold the photo should be prosecuted, if ever identified. What is more disturbing is the disclosure about the value of the jewelry she was laid to rest wearing. That piece of information will bring nothing but trouble. (And why did her family do that anyway? Why not keep these significant pieces so that her daughter could wear them one day in rememberance of her mother?)
Posted by: barb | February 23, 2012, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
Man, there’s some real nasty people on this page. Like this beauty from KELLY -> ’7 Marines were killed in a mid-air collision in Arizona today. Whitney was a drug addict, now she is dead. Get over it.’ Well if you want to see the 7 dead marine article go to it & read it. Why didya come here & poo on this story about a photo being shot at her casket. I don’t understand the contempt of some people, & it especially comes out if the person is black. Racism is alive & well my friend. We all have to live with these boisterous lunatics. They live in their own small little world & complain & complain like they know it all. All I can say is I respect Whitney Houston. May she rest in peace, I now get a glimpse of how rude people are to her on a regular basis. This Rush Limbaugh mentality has to go..it is very un Christian…or whatever religion you practice. You nasty people are the reason why John Lennon wrote Imagine. Imagine a world without such hatred for their fellow man. wow.
Posted by: MrE_mann | February 23, 2012, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm
The best, maybe only way to punish The Enquirer is to refuse to buy their paper.
Posted by: whatever | February 23, 2012, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
A photo of Michael Jackson’s body didn’t get out because I’m sure his family took all preventative measures to prevent it. Of course there’s going to be people willing to snap a photo of a dead person for a half million dollars. Many readers here would probably do it for that kind of money. It’s not illegal, so nothing can be done about it afterward. It’s been said that guests weren’t prevented from bringing cell phones into the funeral home, so that right there tells you that the family didn’t even come close to taking appropriate preventative measures to guard against this happening. Now that is has happened, many people naturally want to see the photo. It a strange way maybe it will help many people accept her death and move on. Now the family needs to guard against grave robbers. Seriously. If she really was buried wearing a half million dollars of jewelry, there will be someone plotting to rob her grave. From what I’ve seen, it looks like she was buried in a normal plot accessible to anyone. Another mistake. This was one of only a handful of superstars in the world and her family buries her in a regular cemetery? I understand wanting to bury her next to her father, but the reality is that even in death, she needs security measures in place. If it wasn’t true that she was buried with the jewelry, the family should immediately issue a statement saying so to deter thieves. If she was, then perhaps they should reconsider exhuming the body and removing the jewelry, or move her (and her father if necessary) to a secure gravesite.
Posted by: brad00 | February 23, 2012, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
I’m obviously a minority here, but people take photos of their deceased loved ones all the time. Whitney was a public figure. The photo is not in bad taste. (not an autopsy photo or something of that nature which would truly be offensive!) I guess I don’t feel any harm was done. She looked beautiful and at peace and seeing the photo puts my mind at rest that she’s in a better place.
Posted by: Lora | February 23, 2012, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
I honestly don’t see the big deal and I certainly don’t find the photo “disgusting” (yes, I Googled it). She looks beautiful and peaceful, and I’m sure there have been lots of people who have wondered about it. Should it be plastered on the front of The Enquirer? Probably not. But everyone had to know that a picture like this would surface at some point. Let’s move on.
Posted by: Whatevs | February 23, 2012, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
I think an open-casket funeral is psychologically benefiting. Seeing the body, regardless of the condition, helps with reality of the death. However, it is not polite to post such a photo on the internet without the immediate family’s permission.
Posted by: Brian W | February 23, 2012, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
When my dad died I didn’t look in his open casket. I didn’t need to look because I knew he was gone and accepted that as fact. Not everyone needs to look, Brian. An old saying. Different strokes for different folks.
Posted by: whatever | February 23, 2012, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm
Another thing, Brian. When my mother-in-law died, whoever arranged the funeral set it up so that I felt we were on display. I felt like my privacy had been invaded and I resented it deeply. I’m sure the Houston family is having similar feelings about the invasion of their private grief.
Posted by: whatever | February 23, 2012, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm
The exif on the photo gives:File name: whitney-casket.jpg
File size: 69587 bytes (0×0, infbpp, 0x)
EXIF Summary:
Camera-Specific Properties:
Photographer: natalie
Image-Specific Properties:
Other Properties:
Exif IFD Pointer: 2130
Image Generated: 2012:02:22 17:26:20
Image Digitized: 2012:02:22 17:26:20
DateTimeOriginal Second Fraction: 40
DateTimeDigitized Second Fraction: 40
Anybody know a Natalie? Could have been tampered with. Dates not in synch. Usually gives phone/camera model, GPS, depending on model and maker. Somebody grabbed another shot with the viewing room empty, further back, with the whole casket scene. I’ll see if any of the others give any more info.
Posted by: BridgetoSomewhere | February 23, 2012, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
Here’s a thought: Anybody who claims to be “outraged” or “offended” should be a real American about it and SUE to recover their monetary losses.
Posted by: Pax Tayer | February 23, 2012, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
I have it on good authority that Whitney could care less about the entire matter.
Posted by: Allan J Krueger | February 23, 2012, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Alright! All of the wailing and gnashing of teeth, prompted me to search for the photo. I have seen it… I have seen her look a lot better – it is NOT grotesque, though.
Let the woman rest in peace…
Posted by: Allan J Krueger | February 23, 2012, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Who really cares…. Lets move on everyone!!
Posted by: donna | February 23, 2012, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
And still is done in many place of the USA just usually not East coast or West coast. So calm down
folks, the photo itself was a right of those attending – selling it was NOT POSTED BY: BECKI
THOMPSON**************Well guess what BECKI, this WAS done on the East coast and we DO
NOT participate in this freaky venture. When in Rome,do what the Romans do.
Posted by: michael | February 23, 2012, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
It would not bother me. I have seen plenty of dead people and many heads of state have open coffins and the public is allowed to take photographs, and the news. No embarrassment for dying. Life is fatal.
Posted by: hereticzero | February 23, 2012, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
When you choose a public life you may well be choosing a public death. Part of the perks(?) of being a celebrity. Such if fame and notority. We adored her in life…we mourn her in death.
Posted by: Ala | February 23, 2012, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
Exactly, who cares?
They invited whoever took the photo and they decided to have an open casket .
We all know she’s dead and we know what dead people look like in a casket.
“Everything sucks and I can prove it,
Everybody dies, shuffle on, remove it.”
R.I.P. PAUL GRAY
Posted by: Dwhiz | February 23, 2012, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
It was ray-j without a doubt! He displayed kim kardashian to the world for money now whitney. Unless of course bobby brown was there. Think about it. I doubt they let 1000 people near her body. They probably let handful of relatives and close friends
Posted by: nlele | February 23, 2012, 8:07 pm 8:07 pm
people take pictures of people in their coffin all the time. the only difference here is it’s whitney. Really people its not that big of a deal. who cares… i cant believe how much attention this non sense gets…
Posted by: justme1219 | February 23, 2012, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Everyone should stop buying the National Enquirer.
Posted by: Librarian53 | February 23, 2012, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
It’s bad enough they bought and published a photo but to also report she was buried wearing $500,000.00 worth of jewelry is just inviting grave robbers in. But it wouldn’t surprise me if the jewels were somehow removed before burial.
Posted by: Tim C | February 23, 2012, 9:06 pm 9:06 pm
I bet George Clooney had a gag reflex after hearing that comment from that ditz.
Posted by: Duude | February 23, 2012, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm
Ok if people are so angry about seeing Whitney in her casket then why is it all over the internet and on the news? Sounds like the media is just mad that their company didn’t get it first. It’s disrespectful because it went against part of the family’s wishes. but every news station had no problem talking about her drug addiction seconds after her funeral and minutes after she passed away.
Posted by: Angie C | February 23, 2012, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
It is sad, but she looks better in the casket than she had for a very long time. I don’t see anything wrong with the photos. I really don’t understand what the hubub is all about. It is certainly better that the emaciated, drug-worn look that she had been sporting.
Posted by: Justin | February 24, 2012, 2:39 am 2:39 am
It’s not Whitney. NE staged this with a mannequin head. If the “rumors” are true that she was found in water, and the fact she’d been dead two weeks, her body would be very bloated and greenish. No mortician could undo these effects. All these rag-mags are disgusting to have to tolerate at grocery store check-outs. Respect during the funeral/memorial process is one thing, but cultures should really stop over-glorifying the dead.
Posted by: w w | February 24, 2012, 4:56 am 4:56 am
No, I don’t think it’s wrong. They had the tact to use a picture of her looking well. I can understand, however, why someone would be sensitive to seeing her deceased rather than showing ner looking well.
If you give some thought to the demands of the media for in depth coverage of a story, or the demands they have for benig the first to uncover facts, or to get photos before anyone else, someone else would have gotten the first published picture of Whitney in her coffin.
Would you have felt better if this picture was shown on another magazine which was a tabloid?
Posted by: Queenof Pittsburgh | February 24, 2012, 7:34 am 7:34 am
why would anyone want to remember their loved ones in a casket. I don’t understand this custom, many people do it though. sad, remember the person in life…..
Posted by: JO | February 24, 2012, 7:59 am 7:59 am
its only a picture! why is this a big deal ? yall need to shut the hell up.
Posted by: big boye | February 24, 2012, 8:54 am 8:54 am
Who buys a gold coffin and doesn’t want it on the cover of some tabloid?
Posted by: glacia | February 24, 2012, 10:55 am 10:55 am
The National Enquirer did its job, whether anyone likes it or not.
.And who is to say if that wretched, hideous so-called friend of the family that took the photo was offered more money from another rag, it wouldn’t have appeared there instead?
I was curious, so I went on-line yesterday and there were numerous sites that showed it, so all of the media is ultra creepy, disrespectful and irresponsible, not just the Enquirer.
They all went “too far”.
Posted by: Sue | February 24, 2012, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
This is all opinion, no crime was committed. All I know is that Houston is dead and someone managed to pay their mortgage and put food on the table. Props to them.
Posted by: Chris | February 24, 2012, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
It would be a public service announcement if they added a large caption “This is your brain on drugs”
Posted by: Ted Danson | February 24, 2012, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
I am VERY offended… by the sight and sound of Whoopi Goldberg on the video starting up. Their should be viewer discretion is advised warning before anyone has to see or hear her.
Posted by: Ted Danson | February 24, 2012, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
The National Inquirer is famous for this. Decades ago when Frank Sinatra threw an Inquirer photographer out of a function the Inquirer team called to him, “That’s ok. Well get you in your box.”
Posted by: The_Mick | February 25, 2012, 3:08 am 3:08 am
they are ridiclious for publishing that photos had no right doing that they should be sued they showed no respect for her her family that was privite they were lucky they even was able inside during the viewing.
Posted by: Donna Ferrero | February 25, 2012, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
How do you known it was taken by a friend or family member. The body is left at the mortuary and they dress her do her, make up and hair. Maybe an employee of mortuary took the picture. Its is sad we had her for many years providing us great music. It wasnt the fans day it was her family and friends especially her daughter. We live in a cruel world and it is sad that people no longer hold values or morals high. This great country was founded on freedom and christianity. But today its a mean and cruel place when people cant leave a family alone so they can greeve and say good bye too there loved one… Shame on you
Posted by: Kay lynn duarte | February 26, 2012, 1:18 am 1:18 am
that is such a shame — how low can a person go????
Posted by: jersygirl | February 26, 2012, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm
@kelly if you think the marines accident is more important than this , then why in the world are you reading about Whitney ?. This is very disrespectful because her family never approved of her photo being taken in her casket . If this was your love one you wouldn’t be saying who cares , get over it well if don’t care about it why are you looking Whitney up? you got problems . I know I’m not gonna read about a celebrity if i don’t care to hear about them .you guys need to do a lot of soul searching rip Whitney. Oh by the way Kelly just like Whitney knew what she was getting herself into choosing to do drugs , the same go for the marines it’s WAR!!!!!!!!!!! people are gonna die they knew that when they signed up oh well get over it .
Posted by: courtney | February 27, 2012, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm
Well of course its bad taste, but…its been done for years by NE and will nevef stop.
Posted by: JLS | February 27, 2012, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
This is usual behavior for the Enquirer. Remember they also printed a cover photo of Elvis in his coffin 1977 and John Lennon on morgue table in 1980.
Posted by: Tessa | March 1, 2012, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
Lets see evidently it was “freedom of the press” when they were snapping shots of our boys caskets coming back from Iraq to the complaints of military families , but an abombination that someone snaps a shot of Whitney Houstons drug preserved and all holy corpus dilecti at a funeral home? Hmmmmm
Posted by: Cogs | March 2, 2012, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm