Model and entrepreneur Winnie Harlow has come under fire after dressing up as the late Whitney Houston for Halloween, with fans of the legendary singer accusing her of being “deeply disrespectful” and “tone-deaf.” The 30-year-old fashion star, known for her striking appearance and advocacy for skin condition vitiligo, stunned social media with her recreation of Houston’s iconic 1987 “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” look — but the reaction quickly turned from admiration to outrage.
Harlow shared photos and a short video on Instagram showing herself in a pink tank top, curly brown wig, and purple makeup — nearly identical to the late singer’s look from her hit music video. “For one night only — Whitney forever 💖✨,” she captioned the post, smiling and lip-syncing to the pop anthem. But within hours, the comments section was flooded with angry messages from Houston’s fans.
“This isn’t a tribute, it’s mockery,” one user wrote on X. “You can honor someone’s legacy without dressing up as their body.” Another added, “Whitney was one of the greatest vocalists of all time — and this feels like cosplay, not respect.”
“Winnie Harlow under fire for dressing up as Whitney Houston for Halloween — fans call it ‘disrespectful’.” @PopBase
Some accused the model of exploiting Houston’s tragic history, pointing to the singer’s struggles with addiction and her untimely death in 2012. “Whitney’s story isn’t a costume,” another fan wrote. “She was a woman who suffered and triumphed — not a Halloween theme.”
Others, however, defended Harlow’s outfit, calling it a “beautiful homage” and arguing that her intention was to celebrate, not disrespect. “She looks amazing and clearly adores Whitney,” one supporter wrote. “It’s Halloween — people dress as their idols all the time.”
Still, the backlash gained traction after several fan accounts shared side-by-side images of Harlow’s costume and Houston’s original look, with captions criticizing what they called “insensitive glamorization.” A viral post from @WhitneyLegacy wrote, “Tribute or not — turning a woman who died tragically into a costume feels wrong.”
“Fans say Harlow’s Whitney Houston costume ‘crossed the line’ — ‘you can honor someone without impersonating them’.” @etnow
According to TMZ, Harlow has not publicly responded to the criticism, though a source close to her said she “meant it as pure admiration.” The insider added that Whitney Houston “was one of her biggest inspirations growing up” and that the look was “put together with love.”
But the controversy has reopened a broader conversation about celebrity Halloween costumes and where the line lies between tribute and exploitation. Social media users pointed out that Houston’s life — marked by both dazzling success and personal tragedy — makes her legacy particularly sensitive to mimic. “It’s not the same as dressing like Beyoncé or Lady Gaga,” one post on TikTok read. “Whitney’s story is sacred to a lot of people.”
Critics also noted that Harlow’s costume came just weeks after the release of the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which reignited emotional discussions around the singer’s turbulent final years. “Timing matters,” one commenter argued. “Fans are still mourning Whitney in their own way — this just reopened wounds.”
“Whitney Houston’s fans are protective of her memory — and they’re not amused by this Halloween ‘tribute.’” @buzzingpop
Entertainment reporter Kimberly Torres told the outlet that the reaction reflects how personal Houston’s legacy remains to fans. “Whitney wasn’t just an artist — she was a cultural touchstone,” Torres said. “People feel ownership over her memory. When someone recreates her image, they expect reverence, not re-enactment.”
On the other hand, some fashion critics have praised Harlow’s attention to detail, noting that her styling was “spot-on” and “visually stunning.” “It was almost uncanny how closely she matched Whitney’s look,” said celebrity stylist Elena Moretti. “I don’t think she meant harm — but the reaction shows how emotional pop culture nostalgia can be.”
Harlow, who has previously used her platform to promote self-acceptance and inclusivity in fashion, has faced controversy before. In 2021, she was criticized for her portrayal of Cleopatra in a photoshoot that some called culturally insensitive. “People forget that she’s human,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “She’s going to make mistakes like anyone else.”
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston’s estate has not issued an official statement regarding the costume. However, insiders told Billboard that the family was “aware of the photos” and “not pleased.” “They understand the intent may not have been cruel,” the insider said, “but it touched a nerve.”
The backlash has reignited debates about celebrity legacy in the age of viral culture — and how even well-meaning tributes can go wrong. “It’s not always about what you intend,” said media sociologist Dr. Heather Lynn. “It’s about what people feel when they see it. Whitney’s death still hurts. To fans, this costume isn’t nostalgia — it’s reopening grief.”
“Whitney deserved better,” one fan wrote. “She’s not a costume. She’s a legacy.” @PopCrave
Despite the uproar, many hope Harlow will address the controversy directly. “An apology or explanation could go a long way,” one user commented. “It’s about acknowledging the sensitivity, not canceling her.” For now, the model’s social media remains silent — her post still up, comments limited.
“It’s a lesson,” another fan reflected on TikTok. “Even with good intentions, you can’t control how your art makes people feel. Especially when that art is someone else’s life.”
