'National Enquirer' publisher defends photos of dead Whitney Houston

Melbourne, Feb 24 (ANI): The publisher of 'National Enquirer' has defended running a photo of Whitney Houston's body in her casket on the magazine's front cover.

After her funeral, the tabloid had published photos of the diva's body, causing an uproar from her family and other media outlets who decried the invasion of privacy.

"I thought it was beautiful," the Herald Sun quoted its publisher Mary Beth Wright as telling Fox News.

Meanwhile, a group of Beverly Hilton staff members who spoke to the press after Houston was found dead at the swanky Los Angeles hotel have been fired.

After the singer passed away on February 11, the media descended en masse and photos of the luxury suite and bathtub where Houston's body was discovered were leaked online. (ANI)