Tempers Flare As Whitney Houston Fans Cry Foul Over Being Left Out Of Star’s Viewing

As Who's Who Of Hollywood Arrives, The Taxpayer Wonders Why Not Us, Too?

February 17, 2012 11:59 PM

A woman signs a display for singer Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church February 16, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

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NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Whitney Houston’s family held a private viewing Friday at the Whigham Funeral Home in advance of the pop icon’s funeral this weekend.

LIVE VIDEO: Click Here to watch live video of the funeral service Saturday at noon

Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18, appeared at the private viewing. It was the first time she saw her mother since she died.

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston’s Life Remembered | NJ Remembers Whitney Houston

Security was very tight around the funeral home in order to give the family privacy. Police closed down Martin Luther King Boulevard. Near the funeral home fans were not allowed near the inner perimeter that had been been set up around the church, 1010 WINS’ Steve Sandberg reported.

The service inside was said to be sad, but at the same time celebratory, with Houston dressed in all white, her slender body not in a coffin, but fully displayed for family and friends who were sworn to secrecy.

“We want to keep it more peaceful and keep it quiet, and keep love and understanding and let’s keep the ministry of the music and what she meant,” family friend Steven Kahn told CBS 2′s Derricke Dennis.

As three limos pulled out of the funeral home with a police escort fans were pushed away and moved up the street behind barricades. According to CBS 2’s Christine Sloan, that’s when tempers started to flare.

“I’m a taxpayer in the city … born and raised in this city … They should stop treating us like animals. We’re taxpayers … We made this lady who she is today,” resident Floyd Bishop said.

“Cissy Houston should come out and wave to us and say thank you. She shouldn’t have them keep us away. We bought her music. We helped succeed in what she had done over the years,” added Charlene Williams.

“Taxpayers paying for all this, treating us like we’re from the street or something. Make no sense,” resident Shawn Holsted said.

Because of the Houston family’s request for privacy police have had no choice but to keep the crowds away. Many fans understood.

“She came back to her home and we love her for that,” Carol Ray said.

“We would like closer … We are here to honor her memory … She’s from Newark and East Orange so everybody knows and we want to give her that respect,” Estelle Buchanan said.

Later, the Houston family funeral director, Carolyn Whigham, hand-delivered a small, colorful brochure on the life of Houston to those that had gathered — a token of thanks for disappointed fans.

“C’mon fans, thank you, you’re more than welcome. This is what Whigham Funeral Home is doing on behalf, I believe, in giving,” she said.

Earlier Friday, fans were able to share their memories of Whitney Houston in a condolence book.

Following the private service on Saturday, Houston will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield next to her father, John Russell Houston Jr., who was buried there in 2003.

WCBS 880′s Levon Putney With Fans At The Funeral Home

Fans and childhood friends who won’t be attending the funeral have been leaving heartfelt messages of sympathy outside the funeral home.

“It’s the least that I could do for her, just to say goodbye,” said fan Simone Mercury. “My last final goodbyes to her.”

The throngs of fans being kept out of the private funeral are people who traveled here from near and far, reports CBS 2′s Dave Carlin.

“Greatest singer in the world as far as I’m concerned. The least I could do, really, is come here and pay my respects,” said Peter Chamberlain of England.

“She will always be present in our hearts and so special,” added Sarah Brinson of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn.

Houston’s funeral will be a who’s who of Hollywood. Among the invited celebrities is Kevin Costner, who co-starred with the singer in “The Bodyguard,” her mentor Clive Davis, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, and Houston’s Ex Husband, Bobby Brown.

Houston’s godmother, Aretha Franklin, is expected to sing. On Friday night, while pleasing a packed crowd inside Radio City Music Hall, the “Queen of Soul” sat behind a piano and gave a touching and heartfelt tribute to her goddaughter with her rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” reports CBS 2′s Hazel Sanchez.

Franklin will continue her emotional dedication at Houston’s funeral Saturday at the request Houston’s mother, Cissy.

Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson are also expected to perform. Houston’s mother may also speak.

whitney memorial Tempers Flare As Whitney Houston Fans Cry Foul Over Being Left Out Of Stars Viewing

A dress, shoes and picture of Whitney Houston on display outside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 (credit: Kathryn Brown/CBS 2)

The pastor of New Hope Baptist Church said the service will be similar to what Houston experienced as a child singing in the choir.

“This is a church and we’re going to have some church in the celebration,” said Pastor Joe A. Carter.

It’s a celebration that will steer clear of the cloud that engulfed Houston in recent years.

There is new video of a disheveled looking Houston outside a Los Angeles nightclub last Thursday and reports of hard partying at the Beverly Hilton, with the star drinking heavily as early as 10 a.m. on the Saturday before she died.

Police are looking at surveillance tapes and have subpoenaed Houston’s doctors.

A cause of death is listed as ”deferred” for now, pending toxicology reports.

Please share your thoughts below…

Tempers Flare As Whitney Houston Fans Cry Foul Over Being Left Out Of Stars Viewing

prmpft

…and that is a surprise to…who?

S Miles, Va

As I read this quote from the Pastor as a chrisitan woman I pray that someone anyone in her family or that is a famous star get saved. Then and only then can you say you had church at Whitneys home going. Some of the people coming that are rich and famous may never get to hear the msg of salvation. So there for Pastor Carter you better preach the word of God for the souls that will be there. Because it does not matter what man see us do but we will all see our maker. (Preach Pastor) I pray for a mighty move like that on Asuzu street that the Holy Spirit of the living God will slay all that enter into that place that there live will never be the same in Jesus The Christ Name. Quote from Pastor Carter my response above: “This is a church and we’re going to have some church in the celebration,” said Pastor Joe A. Carter. Sis. S. Miles Va,

Chukkalady

Hollywood will be red carpeting again! SICKENING! It’s so sad to think the stars are using this tragedy to promote their egos!
MrLogical

Meanwhile, real New Jersey heroes have died for their country and what did they get? A flag lowered? No.

bullrider

For once I disagree with Christie. Whitney Houston got her fame and recognition and big time pay while she was alive. A cop or firefighter or service person who gets killed gets a tiny payoff and a little funeral; a lowered flag is all else we can do to show our appreciation.

Houston got her appreciation and her payoff while she was alive to enjoy it. It’s her own fault, sad to say, that she is dead now. She doesn’t deserve half masted flags.

Dill

I checked out American flag protocol and here’s just a little of what it said.

The flag is only displayed at half-staff by presidential decree or act of Congress.

Was there a presidential decree or an act of Congress? If there wasn’t someone should be brought to task. Our military hero’s can’t even get a ticker tape parade to welcome them home, but a football team can???? And now a flag at Half-staff for Miss Houston…Give me a break already.

JJS

Read the facts, every fallen soldier in NJ was remembered with a flag lowered. Disagree with doing this for her, but know the facts.

Smarg

Damn you, Bobby Brown.

Lazlo

Whitney had all of the opportunity to say, “No!” and she had all of the opportunity to the best rehab money can buy.

She chose to do drugs and smoke crack and take the risks involved in her lifestyle.

She chose wrong and we shouldn’t make heroes and excuses for wasted talented druggies.

mmercier

The most talented individuals exhibit addictive personality trait. The best are dead via self chosen direction…

the creative center linked with expressive ability usually ends up in an… unpleasant manner.

some make it through… most do not.

it is a human thing.
Angel

Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CSP

A friend of hers said this week on CNN Whitney was doing drugs before she met Bobby Brown.

GrimReaper

It’s a shame that no one was there for her. Her husband (I think he’s a bum) and her family should have had someone with her 24/7 – not just a body guard. This woman was sick and was crying out for help. I’m sure if it was a money issue they’d all be surrounding her like a pack of wolves. It’s too bad they didn’t show as much interest in her addiction problem when she was alive as they are now that she’s dead.

Willie

Well said GrimReaper. And now they blaming white people too.

http://hollywoodilluminatidotcom.wordpress.com creoleguy32

Of course her family would be blocking fans because her family is out for themselves. HollywoodIlluminatiDotCom (who really killed Whitney Houston)
Bea

Most of these druggies and drunks LOVE the effects of their indulgences. They are not suffering from demons or abuse by relatives, friends, or the world. They just LIKE feeling high. Ask them. It’s sheer self-indulgence. No, most of us don’t make stupid decisions like these people. Our bad decisions don’t usually cost us our lives or jobs. Most of us live within the parameters of the LAW, and act so that we can take care of our families and our responsibilities. She was broke, meaning she was depriving her own daughter of financial support. She was living on borrowed money. Our first goal was always to be able to feed, clothe, shelter, and educate our children. Her first goal seemed to be how often she could just enjoy “feeling good.”
Ann

Public people still belong to their families. You might enjoy their work, but you are strangers to her. It’s her family who is really suffering. The public is suffering some fan delusion bereavement for someone they don’t even know, maybe wouldn’t even like her if they did know her, who knows. You should show more respect for her life and her family. She is DEAD. The public has no rights to this individual, either to view or get close to or be waved at by relatives. Maybe they don’t feel like it. Stop with this fan worship and get on with your own lives.

John

Great point!
Thought Recon

Bingo. But now I am an ANN Fan.

ace11

still not sure why all this fuss about some drugged up whacky singer killing herself
Snuggle Pugs

One last hit for the road…. DRUGS KILL SILLY PEOPLE
Jozetta

2. CORRECTION —- YOU HAVE MADE BAD CHOICES
Jozetta

TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE ASSUMING TO KNOW HOW HER DEATH HAPPENED…
1. YOU ARE NOT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER
2. YOU ARE MADE BAD CHOICES IN YOUR LIFE
3. NO ONE IS PERFECT EXCEPT GOD SO BEFORE YOU JUDGE HER REMEMBER GOD HAS TO JUDGE YOU
4. WHAT DRUGS HAVE YOU TAKEN BUT DIDN’T LET THE PUBLIC KNOW

Jess

1. I DO HAVE A BRAIN, SHE O.D.’d
2. I DON’T DO DRUGS
3. AMEN
4. SEE #2 AND I NEVER WILL!
Angel

How can you be perfect,but,create an imperfect world??

Sunny703

God made the world,but gave people free will ! AND…judge not,lest ye shall be judged ! Gotta batten down the hatches, big storm coming in Va. Be blessed,all !
amos

Angel, God created a perfect world. It stayed perfect until sin entered in through free will. Tod created man with a free will and nan CHOSE to sin. . .Just like Whitney chose to live her live unto her own destruction.
iGNORANCE iS bLISS

READ THE BIBLE AND CHANGE YOUR SCREEN NAME!! You have some of the most ignorant comments I’ve seen. You really need to look in the mirror and think before you speak. GOD BLESS YOUR MISGUIDED SOUL

George Johnson

2. YOU ARE MADE BAD CHOICES IN YOUR LIFE

Put the crack pipe down, and back away,….. slowly….

Jozetta

Whitney you brought so much joy to the lives of the American people. I grew up listening to you like you were the queen. Rest In Peace and love in the arms of the Lord. To Bobbi Kristina, and mother Cissy Houston you will be in my prayers for strength during your time of grieving.
Blenda Johnson

I most definitely agree with your comment! “Get off of the computer and go to church and pray for yourself”. “Whitney” you will always be loved and remembered. I know that you are an angel singing all up in heaven!!! YES.
Whitney’s family, friends and loved ones you’re all in my prayers. God bless all of you.
Girly, Girl

All you negative people posting negative comments about Withney you should all be ashamed of yourselves. No one is perfect in life and we all make mistakes that is how we learn, unfortunately some of us are not overcomers, so I would say keep your comments to yourself and pray for her family in this time.
of sorrow. RIP Withney

Bill Me

Boo Hoo Girly Girl, good bad or ugly people will talk, your sins find you out like mine found me out. Its people like you that enable people like her to do what she did, your the type if you were around her you would tell her Go Ahead Girl, so all that pretentious, santimonious BS keep it I HATE PHONY. SHE DONE DOPE SHE LIED, SHE DIED. I done things in my past one day i wont be here, BUT DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WONT BE ONE OF THEM. GROW UP YOUR LIBERAL LIFE IS YOUR LYING DOWNFALL WHO IS NEXT?

Very conservative

Liberalism is a mental disorder

Rodin

Liberals at least have a mind.

Bea

A mind suffused with liberalism is a terrible thing to waste. Yes, science has proved that liberalism is a brain disorder. They think thoughts that are not normal and will not aid the survival of the species.
SamIAm

You need to get a second opinion on that. Look what you elected and how it has impacted our country.
Mike

Can you point to anything which supports this claim?

steve sharkman

obama

Kevin Stowell

May we see proof of that soon?
Paul

No, liberals are mindless statists. The zombies who walk among us.
Thought Recon

No…you don’t.

Mrs. I. Understand

I’m hurting, my thoughts have been consumed about Whitney. I haven”t been able to shake the thought of Bobbi Kristina, how in the God”s name is she going to deal with seeing her Mom laid out in the casket with life no longer in her..I know the pain she will endure..it”s indescribable. I lost my Mom at 16..I’m now 43..I’ve suffered from depression for many yrs..I’ve spent some time in a mental instituition after the funeral for my Mom. All kinds of thoughts will enter this babys’ mind when she sees her..I pray and I know that she will the emotional support that she is most definitely going to need to get through this evening and the years of counseling and mental/emotionally support to get her through and to possibly not fall into the same behavior. I was fortunate enough to have supportive foster parents that were excellent disciplinarians and did not allow me to entertain negative company. I am mother of 4 children and have literally suffered from depression, when you lose a parent it gives you the affect that you are now alone and can’t go on. You have to…she wouldn’t want to see it any other way.
Bobbi kristina, I wish you all the best through this unknown journey in life. Be Well !

stopthecyclenow

Unfortunately she was raised by a couple of alcoholic, crazy, crack heads so she has had to deal with too much already. It won’t be any credit to her parents if she overcomes this moment to have a happy, healthy and long life of her own.

You should try to do the same. It is wrong to let a moment define your life, your kids deserve more from you.
bullrider

Nothing hits you in the face with cold hard reality like seeing one of your beloved parents lying in a casket. Whoever you are, whoever they were, however they died… seeing them there is one of the hardest things imaginable.
Rhadagastt

Mrs. I: I believe, with all of my heart, that you have spent time in a mental institution.
biff

consumed by whitney…get a fking life.
cecil

Give us a break and get a life

CJZ

Just glad they cancelled the service at Prudential Center. Wouldn’t want basketball fans (and of course hockey haters) crashing and possiblysquatting at the scheduled hockey game later on.

And would like to add that flags in NY should be flown at half staff for Gary Carter for a day. If a drug addict (who pretty much died by choice) deserves such,. then so does a baseball player (who DIDN’T choose brain cancer) that lit up this area for a few years in the 1980′s.

SamIAm

Clapping. We celebrate dead drug addicts in this country. Get with the program!

mjazz

In the west bank they name streets after people who blow themselves to bits with other people nearby.

BrickCityCares

Why oh why can’t we separate the imperfect human from the artist? The flag is at half mast out of respect for the loss of a native New Jerseyan who left a legacy to the world with her God given talent. The drug addict is not being honored … the artist is. RIP Whitney. Your voice will ive on.

Barbara

Unless you are perfect in every way and beyond reproach, leave the lady alone and let her rest in peace. We all have Demons!!!!!!
Pam Williams

The only crap that is ridiculous is your comment !
Lou

Then can we stop talking about this?
midi-man

RIP Whitney.
It’s really a shame what you did you yourself.

midi-man

It’s really a shame what you did to your yourself
Sorry for the typo.
I little depressed she killer herself with stupidity

CWS442

You also don’t know how to write a complete sentence you idiot. Turn off the computer and go do your homework.

the clarkster

Hey Chee, can you sing like her??????????? If not, shut up!

bullrider

All of us who haven’t OD’d can sing better than her.
Sorry to say that, but what is there about having lots of money that makes people lose their judgment and ruin their lives, when they have everything on Earth to live for?

Sad.

pharper00

Not a time for you to bitter, wait till after the burial. This is Whitney’s and her family time, her last chance to be with her family and friends.
Rodin

“… a Los Angeles nightclub last Thursday and reports of partying hard at the Beverly Hilton….

Sad. This wasn’t ‘partying’, it was denial and a cry for help, a smokescreen for pain.

LiLo and company, take heed.