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Raffles van Exel, who is accused of taking the disrespectful death photo of Whitney Houston in her casket, has released a statement about his alleged good friend, Whitney Houston. Both the Newark funeral home and Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, were appalled at the release of the photo, and family and fans have expressed outrage.

Raffles Entertainment (his company) released the following statement regarding the death of Whitney Houston.

The incomparable Whitney Houston was a dear friend of mine. I’ve known & worked closely with Whitney Houston and her sister-in-law Patricia Houston for over 20 joyous years. To the world, Whitney Houston was an icon; a legend with a voice that could only come from above. She was an actress that brought vibrancy and realism to her roles. To Whitney’s family & friends, Whitney was a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a best friend. To her fans, Whitney meant the world to them. Whitney’s death is tragic & shocking. This is a horrible and gut wrenching loss to the world.

I will never forget the impact that she had on this earth. Whitney was a great friend to me and I loved her from the depth of my heart and soul. My friend Whitney is a child of the Lord. Because of her close relationship with God, He granted her this most singular gift: her voice. Yes, Whitney’s voice was touched by God himself. Her very being: her grace, her compassion, her kindness, her humility and beauty was otherworldly. This world did not just lose an entertainer of the first order, this world lost a beautiful, singing angel who gave joy and love to all who knew her and experienced her God given gift, her talent. The legendary icon Whitney Houston was the greatest vocalist to have ever graced us with her presence. Rest in peace, my beautiful angel. You will never be forgotten.

I send my heartfelt condolences to her daughter Bobbi Kristina, her mother Cissy Houston, Whitney’s brother Gary Houston, sister-in-law Patricia Houston, and the rest of her family, friends and her millions of fans worldwide.

Raffles van Exel did not mention of refute claims in his statement that he took the death photo of Whitney Houston. What do you think?

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