03/18/2009 3:20 pm

Culture

Despite Public Outrage, OK! Defends Pre-Death Jade Goody Tribute

In a statement, publisher said the issue pays tribute to Goody's life and that the family thought it was 'being very kind to Jade'

OK! Cover

The magazine publisher that printed its "tribute" to Jade Goody before her death has been busy defending itself from public outrage.

The popular weekly UK celebrity tabloid, OK!, published its "Jade Goody Official Tribute Issue 1981 - 2009" on Tuesday — when Goody was reportedly still clinging to life. While UK’s media watchdog, the Press Complaints Commission, has received more than a dozen complaints about the issue, the magazine issued a statement earlier this afternoon standing by the decision — and said that Goody’s family isn’t bothered by the early homage. The Guardian reports:

OK!’s tribute issue is a celebration of Jade’s amazing life. Jade’s family have spoken to OK! today to reiterate that they understand the tribute issue and view it as being very kind to Jade.

Goody, the 27-year-old British reality television star who’s losing her battle with cancer, invited cameras to witness some very private moments during her final days — including her wedding to Jack Tweed and her christening.

Meanwhile, the Press Complaints Commission has yet to decide if it will investigate.

2 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

SamMirando
Don’t all famous people wish that they could read their obituaries?  This young woman chose a life in the media spotlight, or should I say, klieg lights and I imagine that, if she is aware of the tribute, she is thrilled.
By SamMirando on 03/18/2009 5:38 pm
JeanHow

In this instance when her children are small, and she knows its terminal, I think this was the right move where she could make out a memory book for her children to remember her by.  I hope during this time she had the ability to record her voice, wrote little special notes to each child, and even a video tape of her time with her children to look back on.

Whether famous or not, a well documented box of pictures and memories for those left behind is something that should be considered.

Whether it be for geneology purposes, or just to make the journey of reflection to those left behind.  I treasure each and every memory I have left from my mother.  Though it wasn’t wrote up in a paper, it was wrote DOWN on paper.  Those are my most treasured.

My father died of cancer that spread through him, and pneumonia.  My mother died of a heart attack while she slept while recovering in a hospital for something else.

To the public: Live your own life.

To the press: always respect the privacy of the families, but if they give their permission, then I applaude them.

In a time when the newspapers are slowly falling to failure one by one due to the economy, I understand the concern to keep people interested in reading. BUT, always treat personal sufferage with dignity as top priority.

And ALWAYS protect the privacy of children and their time with their families.

By JeanHow on 03/19/2009 7:52 am