National Enquirer Stands By Whitney Houston Casket Photo
The National Enquirer stands by its decision to publish a photo on its cover featuring Whitney Houston's corpse, saying it is a "work of art."
"I thought it was beautiful," publisher Mary Beth Wright told FoxNews.com.
The tabloid publisher's comments come amid public outrage over the photo, which shows Houston lying in an open casket wearing a deep purple dress with the headline "Whitney: The Last Photo!"
Some media outlets have strongly criticized the Enquirer's decision. A Washington Post blog called the picture "shocking and disturbing," while declaring that "a line has been crossed."
It is unclear where and how the picture was obtained, but it reportedly was taken at Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, New Jersey. Owner Carolyn Whigham maintains the funeral home played no role in taking or selling the photo to the tabloid.
"I am very angry, very upset, just like the family, just like the fans," she told the Los Angeles Times.
Houston died at the age of 48 in her Beverly Hills hotel room on February 11. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports before they can determine the official cause of death.
The funeral for the legendary singer was held at her hometown church in Newark on February 18.
