Winnie Harlow, the Canadian fashion model who faced criticism for her Halloween tribute to Whitney Houston, has spoken out publicly for the first time since the controversy erupted last week.

Her statement, posted yesterday (November 3), comes in response to backlash over a Halloween video in which she dressed and acted as Whitney Houston during one of the singer’s most recognizable award show appearances.

What was supposed to be a lighthearted homage ended up drawing mixed reactions online.

While many fans and celebrities praised the model for channeling Houston’s stage presence, others accused her of “mocking” the late singer’s behavior during her later years, when Houston was visibly struggling with substance dependency.

Winnie Harlow addressed the criticism over her Whitney Houston

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