Broadcasting Whitney Houston's Funeral Live Might Be a Bad Idea

on February 16, 2012 at 8:32 AM

Whitney Houston fans hold vigil outside Whigham Funeral HomeWhitney Houston wasn't the first celebrity to suffer a sudden and tragic death, but it looks like she'll be the first celebrity whose funeral is streamed live on the Internet. Apparently Houston's publicist has chosen one person who will be allowed inside New Jersey's New Hope Baptist Church -- the church where Houston sang as a child -- to broadcast the service live.

One person who will allow millions of fans a way to participate in an incredibly personal grieving process.

On the one hand, the idea to stream the funeral live could be interpreted as a gesture of appreciation for all those who loved Whitney Houston's music. The message: Houston's fans were part of her family.

Still, I can't help but wonder ... how will Whitney's real family feel about sharing such a private moment with the world?

Obviously her family members approved the idea, so for now I'm assuming they're okay with it. But in my experience, you can never really predict how you're going to handle a loved one's funeral. Reactions range from numb detachment to complete emotional breakdown. The tears are as likely to flow throughout the service as they are to hold off until days later when all the friends and relatives have gone home.

Depending on their reaction, Houston's family might regret having the funeral broadcast in real time, particularly when you consider the fact that once the footage goes live, it will never, ever go away. Will the world at large be consistently respectful to Houston's nearest and dearest in the way they present the images and sounds of their sorrow?

I'd like to think so, but I doubt it.

Do you think Whitney Houston's family will regret streaming her funeral live?

Image via Splash

About the author Jacqueline Burt

has written for numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites. She is easily bored and often tired, so she requires constant entertainment to keep her awake. Dance, Monkey! Dance!

Filed Under: celebrity, celebrity death

Comments (36)

CafeMochaMom1

on Feb 16, 2012 at 8:40 AM

I think they would like all her fans to have a feeling of closure about her death. There are even many celebrities who are shocked by her passing. She was only 48 years old and her talent was significant.

It really is hard to believe she died so suddenly at what is considered a young age.

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femaleMIKE

on Feb 16, 2012 at 8:59 AM

This is tacky.

The family should keep this private. Us fans can remember her by her photos and music.

PonyChaser

on Feb 16, 2012 at 9:26 AM

While I respect her family's decision to broadcast the funeral, I don't agree with. This is an intensely personal event. And (sorry to make this comparison, but it works) just like many parents don't want their children's pictures on the internet because pedophiles might view them, even fully clothed, there will be people watching this funeral just to see if they can see a dead Whitney laid out in a coffin, or to see Whitney's famous family members experiencing moments of intense grief.

I believe a better option would have been to hold a public memorial - much like the Jackson family did for Michael. Because yes, the fans DO deserve something. Without them, Whitney would never have had many of the things that she did.

I just see a lot of unfortunate pictures coming from this funeral broadcast - especially if the person doing the video is not an absolute professional (which I'm sure he is)

mamivon2

on Feb 16, 2012 at 9:57 AM

I wish people would quit acting like she was some Saint....

as for the funeral well its her family decision not mine..

SinatrasKitten

on Feb 16, 2012 at 10:04 AM

Whitney had adoring fans.... and I do think, while this is a very personal event, her fans do need closure. I'd rather broadcast it, than have random members of the public be allowed in. I think this is a tasteful way of not letting it turn into a circus and still allowing her fans to get their closure.

Madelaine

on Feb 16, 2012 at 10:15 AM

wow

DebaLa

on Feb 16, 2012 at 10:30 AM

It's fine! Her family authorized and arranged it! They opted out of the public arena memorial, so, I think this is a fine compromise among her disagreeing family members, too bereft to care what we think. Their choice. Their business! RIP Whitney, we will always love you, too.

Btw, the cost to the city for the public version (police presence, etc), à la MJ style, would NOT work because they did not have MJ's millions to back it. Other cities have watched and learned from that LA debacle. The family needs the income from the broadcast to pay her bills, as it is.