Winnie Harlow is speaking up after facing online criticism for her Halloween costume, which was inspired by late music legend Whitney Houston. After she revealed her look, some users accused her of mocking one of Whitney’s most vulnerable public moments.However, Winnie Harlow clarified that she never intended to ridicule the late star. She took to her official Instagram stories to address the backlash over her Halloween costume, stating:"Firstly, Majority of the responses have been incredibly positive! I've loved seeing you guys love these Halloween looks. My video wasn't mocking Whitney. That clip has Always been one of my favorite moments of hers! She was radiant, funny, confident, and captivating. She was being awarded. The way she moved across that stage with flair and swag? Iconic. "You betta lay low" is something I say at least once a week. My mother is one of her biggest fans and named me Whitney after her, that's my real legal name. She has always been a queen in my house."Winnie Harlow continued:"People are more than headlines. A woman who could command a room, make you laugh & carry herself like royalty. If all you see when you see Whitney are her struggles, you are missing her charisma, humor, talent, personality, & wit. She was hilarious & magnetic.HTHAT is and what should always be highlighted. The light that made us all love her. attention to positivity."Many online users supported Winnie’s explanation, writing:"i feel like it says more about you if you are ashamed of that moment.. whitney was always exuberant and had such a good personality, she didn’t do anything humiliating or disgraceful in the clip, she was simply having a good time. her using doesn’t really change that."matty ᡣ𐭩˚౨ৎ˚ @hisdriveeLINKi feel like it says more about you if you’re ashamed of that moment.. whitney was always exuberant and had such a good personality, she didn’t do anything humiliating or disgraceful in the clip, she was simply having a good time. her using doesn’t really change that.Internet reactions to Winnie Harlow defending her Whitney Houston Halloween costumePop Base took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to share that,"Winnie Harlow addresses criticism over her Whitney Houston Halloween costume: “My video wasn’t mocking Whitney. That clip has always been one of my favorite moments of hers! She was radiant, funny, confident, and captivating.”"Netizens soon gathered under the comments of the X post as they penned their thoughts on the matter. Below are some of their reactions:"I believe a great costume comes from a place of genuine love. When you admire someone's spirit and confidence, like Winnie clearly does for Whitney, that heartfelt connection shines through. It feels more like a celebration than just wearing a costume.", stated an X user."You could see how much love Winnie Harlow has for Whitney in the way she recreated that moment. Sometimes people forget you can honor a legend by celebrating their joy, not just their pain. Winnie looked stunning and confident, exactly how Whitney carried herself not gonna lie", added another."She did nothing wrong but people were actually mocking and laughing at whitney’s addiction in the comments", opined a third.Others also chimed in:"It is a shame when a tribute gets misunderstood. We know you meant no disrespect. Whitney's energy was iconic, and it's lovely that you wanted to celebrate her radiant spirit. Keep shining!", commented a netizen."Winnie Harlow should not have addressed it. Stuff like this blows over so quick and it’s only feeding the egos of the people who want to cancel you whether to address or apologize anyways.", wrote another."She spilled idc. A lot of y'all reduce Whitney's personality down to addiction, as if Nippy from Newark wasn't always exuberant fun sassy and outspoken. What Whitney era is acceptable to impersonate? Because quiet as it's kept, she's been doing hard drugs since 14 years old. 💅", penned a third.Notably, Winnie Harlow's costume earned praise from multiple celebrities. Names like Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, Ciara, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rita Ora, and Law Roach applauded the model for her creativity.Also Read: "Hollywood is pathetic": Internet reacts as Jimmy Fallon named People's Sexiest Game Show Host of 2025 in readers' choiceBritish Independent Film Awards (BIFA) 2025: Complete list of nominees