The family of a dead rapper who was embalmed and then propped up on stage at a nightclub during his remembrance event have said that they did nothing wrong and have no regrets about their decision.
Obviously, there has been some interest on social media in the event, which was arranged at Washington DC nightclub Bliss to remember rapper Markelle Morrow, known by his stage name Goonew.
He was shot dead in a car park during a suspected robbery on 18 March and died aged 24.
Police are still searching for the perpetrator, and a $25,000 reward has been offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest.
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While this is unquestionably a sad situation, the rapper’s funeral has attracted even more attention because his corpse was stood up fully dressed in a nightclub bar while people danced.
That said, his mother says she’s ‘pleased [with] how she sent her son away’.
The event was billed as ‘Goonew The Final Show’ with flyers distributed and a reported entry fee of $40 (around £30.50) to get in.
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The musician’s corpse was dressed in expensive clothes, and videos and pictures – which we’re not including here – showed ‘mourners’ grooving around him throughout the night.
Still, his family told local TV that he wouldn’t have wanted people to be sad, and they’ve no regrets about their choice of memorial.
His mother, Patrice, said: “For all the negatives, people probably don’t even know nothing about us.
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“They have no idea. People just saying what they want to say and that’s fine.
“That’s perfectly fine. I’m pleased with how I sent my son away.
“I wish people would just let me grieve in peace.”
The nightclub even issued an apology after the event, although they did also pay tribute to Goonew after his untimely death.
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Bliss wrote: “Our deepest condolences to Goonew’s family, friends and fans,
“Bliss was contacted by a local funeral home to rent out our venue for Goonew’s home-going celebration.
“Bliss was never made aware of what would transpire. We sincerely apologise to all those who may be upset or offended.
“Please keep Goonew’s family and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.”
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That didn’t stop some people from suggesting that it was ‘disrespectful’ and that staff were ‘scared’ because they ‘[weren’t] informed’ about what was going to happen.
Echoing her mother’s sentiments, Goonew’s sister said: “We don’t care about anybody and what ya’ll have to say negative. Nobody. We don’t care.
“They’re like, I know his mama wouldn’t approve of that.
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"Yeah, she did, she was on stage with us.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Tom Wood