One of America’s best known tabloid magazines has caused a controversy after publishing a photo of Whitney Houston’s body lying in a coffin.The image, on the front page of the National Enquirer, was thought to have been taken inside the private funeral home where the star’s family gathered on the eve of her funeral. The picture, which hasn’t been verified as genuine, shows Houston wearing a purple dress and a gold brooch. Houston died, aged 48, on 11 February. She was found in the bath of her suite at the Beverly Hilton hotel, a day before the Grammy Awards, which she had been due to attend. Fans all across the globe were angered by the photos, saying they showed disrespect towards the singer. “That is invading her privacy. That is messed up,” said a fan. Another fan, Halima Wimberly said, “I would like to see her, but not like that. Whitney was a great person.” However, there were others who thought the photos were justified as Houston’s family did not hold a public funeral where fans could pay their respects to the star. Kevin Barnett, a huge Houston fan, said: “I think it’s fair because they wouldn’t let people go in and see for themselves.”
