Whitney Houston's estate has responded to an "offensive" joke about the late singer that was made during this year's Golden Globe ceremony.
The joke had been part of 35-year-old comedian Jerrod Carmichael's monologue while hosting the 80th annual ceremony, where he'd referenced racism, Scientology, Will Smith's Oscar's slap, and even how much money he was getting paid for the gig.
One of the jokes in particular, however, left a sour taste in many viewers' mouths, and even Houston's estate.
During part of his speech, the Primetime Emmy winner said: "They wanted me to shout out the venue that we're in," Carmichael stated, "so we are here live from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton."
The late American singer and six-time Grammy winner sadly passed away in 2012 at the age of 48 after being found unconscious in the bath in a suite at the Beverly Hilton, where many awards shows and industry events are held.
A coroner later detailed that she had died from accidental drowning as well as the effects of habitual cocaine use, per CNN. The 'I Have Nothing' singer had struggled with drug addiction for several years, with her former husband Bobby Brown revealing that she was high on cocaine during their 1992 nuptials, via PEOPLE.
Following Carmichael's joke, many people ran to social media to defend his words. "His whole career is basically dark comedy and making something real uncomfortable.. if y'all don't know jerrod then go watch his tv show Or special. The golden globes knew exactly who they were getting [sic]," one person tweeted.
"Comedy is subjective HOWEVER facts are factual!!! These host aren't there to make you feel comfortable they are there to pass time between rich ppl celebrating and getting awards from rich people for making people richer GET OVER IT! [sic]" another added.
Though, there were many netizens who disapproved of the "offensive" joke, with one person saying: "Jerrod Carmichael Should Be Ashamed Of Himself. That Joke Was Very Offensive And Totally Unacceptable.!!!"
"Worst hosting job ever. Terrible," a further user chimed in.
Houston's sister-in-law and longtime manager - who is the sole executor of the singer's estate - reportedly didn't find the joke funny at all. "The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste," she said, via TMZ.
Sources also claimed that nobody in Houston's camp was given a heads-up that the joke was going to be made prior to Tuesday's broadcast, with insiders claiming it may well have been made off the cuff.