National Enquirer's Whitney Houston Open Casket Photo Sparks Outrage

Published by the National Enquirer...

Holly Frith

13:16 23rd February 2012

A picture of Whitney Houston in an open coffin has been published on the cover of US magazine the National Enquirer.

The picture shows Houston lying in the gold casket during the private family wake on the Friday before her funeral.

The magazine's decision to run the image, with the headline Whitney: The last photo!, has been criticised by fans and the media.

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It is not known who leaked the photo but the owner of the Whigam Funeral Home, Carolyn Whigham told the Daily Mail: 'I have spoken with the family about this and they have asked me not to comment on the matter.'

Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, LA Reid, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Chaka Khan, Darlene Love and Diane Warren are among the many stars who attended.

Aretha Franklin, R Kelly and Stevie Wonder also performed at the service at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark.

It is still unclear how Houston died but Police have confirmed the star was found on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles (February 11).

Whitney Houston Tributes:

Elton John: ''This is a sad day today, all I want to talk about is her music. She was the most beautiful woman I think I ever saw… Thank you for giving us your talent, and one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard."
Mariah Carey: ''Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."
Aretha Franklin: "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.
Christina Aguilera: ''We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed."
Quincy Jones: "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing... I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."
Simon Cowell: There's always moments in your life that are horrible things to remember - the day John Lennon died, or Elvis Presley, or recently Michael Jackson, or Amy Winehouse - and now Whitney. It's just really, really, really horrible."
Justin Bieber: ''Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family."
Katy Perry: So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P."
Rihanna: "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney''
Nicki Minaj: "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time."
Bee Gee Robin Gibb: "one of the greatest voices in popular music today" had been lost to the world.
Boy George: "Whitney is dead, OMG, I'm so heartbroken. You were amazing and I hope you have found peace! x.
Dolly Parton: 'mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. 'I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, "Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.''
LA Reid: 'I am completely devastated by the loss of the greatest voice of all time! R.I.P. Whitney Houston. I will always love you!'

Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.

Photo: WENN.com