Winnie Harlow continued to face criticism on Tuesday evening for her recent Halloween costume, so she chose a more widely accepted outfit for the EBONY Power 100 gala.
A Canadian supermodel upset many Whitney Houston fans with her Halloween costume, which recreated a memorable – and somewhat chaotic – outfit the singer wore during a performance at the BET Awards in 2001.
She looked stunning at the EBONY event in Los Angeles, wearing a beautiful red and white lace dress. It was a welcome return to her usual glamorous style.
The striking gown, featuring a dramatic low back, made Harlow, 31, stand out as she arrived on the red carpet before Tuesday’s event.
She paired her dress with white Christian Louboutin stiletto heels and styled her hair in a sleek, braided beehive.
The EBONY Power 100 gala is an event created to celebrate the achievements of Black leaders in fields like music, sports, fashion, film, television, and politics. It recognizes individuals who are making a significant impact on culture.
Tuesday’s event also drew stars like Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross and an Emmy nominee herself, along with supermodel Iman and actresses Taraji P. Henson and Meagan Good.
Teyana Taylor was named Entertainer of the Year at the annual event, recognizing a successful year that featured a standout role in the Paul Thomas Anderson film, Escape Room.
Olandria Carthen, a familiar face from Love Island USA, won the People’s Choice award.
Ellis Ross was honored with the Pathbreaker of the Year award, recognizing both her work as an actress and her commitment to increasing diversity and representation in entertainment and the beauty world.
Iman, widow of the late David Bowie, accepted the Icon of the Year award at Tuesday’s event, bringing it to a close.
A few days prior, a festival attendee named Harlow caused controversy online by sharing a video of herself impersonating Whitney Houston. The video recreated a particularly vulnerable moment for the late singer, when her visibly fragile condition and unusual behavior onstage led to widespread worry and rumors about her health and potential drug use.
Whitney Houston passed away in 2012 at the age of 48. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, and heart disease and cocaine use were also factors.
Many fans felt Harlow exploited Whitney Houston’s struggles for attention instead of paying tribute to her respectfully. They criticized the outfit as insensitive, disrespectful, and as turning a difficult time in Houston’s life into something glamorous.
Social media users quickly reacted with criticism, calling the costume insensitive and disrespectful to Whitney Houston’s memory.
Honestly, it just kills me! Seeing all those people around her, and none of them said anything about how totally wrong and disrespectful it was. Like, did nobody have the guts to speak up? It’s just… unbelievable. I was screaming at my phone, wishing I could have told her how inappropriate it was!
Someone else commented that the performance wasn’t the tribute Whitney Houston deserved, explaining that it recreated a particularly difficult period in her life when she was visibly struggling.
They added, ‘Considering all the wonderful parts of Whitney’s life, you focused on a really difficult period for her.’
A third wrote: ‘Mocking an exceptional woman at her most vulnerable is no flex.’
As a lifestyle expert, I always say it’s important to honor those we admire with respect. When it comes to Whitney Houston, let’s focus on celebrating her incredible talent – her voice, her strength, and her elegance – rather than dwelling on her struggles. Remembering her at her best is the true tribute she deserves.
With criticism growing, Harlow responded to the situation in a statement posted on Instagram.
I’ve always loved that clip. She was absolutely glowing, hilarious, self-assured, and completely drew you in. The way she commanded the stage with such style and confidence was truly iconic, she said, describing her tribute.
Harlow shared that he has a personal link to the singer, explaining that his mother is a huge fan and actually named him Whitney – it’s his birth name.
She added that Houston should be remembered for her spirit, not her struggles.
If you only focus on Whitney’s difficulties, you’re overlooking her incredible personality, funny side, skills, and intelligence. She was genuinely funny and captivating.
Harlow ended her message by encouraging everyone to remember the good in the world and the positive impact Houston had on so many lives.
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2025-11-05 14:04