Whitney Houston estate calls out Jerrod Carmichael’s ‘poor taste’ Golden Globes joke about singer’s death

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

The Whitney Houston estate has called out Jerrod Carmichael’s “poor taste” joke about the singer at the Golden Globes.

During the ceremony, which took place on Tuesday (10 January), the comedian made several surprising quips, including one about the event’s formerly disgraced voting body, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), and another about Scientology and Tom Cruise.

However, Carmichael drew criticism for a comment he made about Houston’s death.

After returning from a break, he said: “So, we are here, live, from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton.”

Houston’s familly, via her sister-in-law and former manager, Pat Houston, told TMZ: “The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke and felt it was in poor taste.”

The Independent has contacted Carmichael’s representative for comment.

Houston died aged 48 on 11 February 2012 after accidentally drowning in a bathtub at the hotel in Los Angeles.

A death certificate went on to reveal that cocaine use and heart disease were contributing factors.

Elsewhere during the Golden Globes, Eddie Murphy made a joke about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Meanwhile, both Colin Farrell and Michelle Yeoh refused to be played off stage by the ceremony’s producers while delivering their respective acceptance speeches.

Viewers were also left wondering whether Elvis star Austin Butler’s voice was his own, or whether he was performing his acceptance speech in character as Elvis Presley.

Find the full list of winners at the 2023 Golden Globes here