The body of deceased DMV rapper Goonew appeared to have been propped upright at a nightclub in Washington, D.C.
As previously mentioned on Monsters & Critics, the 24-year-old rapper was shot dead last month in an apparent robbery.
Multiple videos and images from the Bliss Nightclub party seemingly show the rapper’s body propped on stage in an upright position.
An entry pass for the event called it a “celebration of life” for the late rapper, whose real name was Markelle Morrow.
Goonew associate says that is his body at nightclub
While some speculated whether the body at the party was a wax figure of the deceased rapper or his embalmed body, an associate of Goonew says it was him.
A rapper named Black Fortune, an associate of Goonew, who performed at the event, denied that the body was a wax figure.
On his Instagram story, Fortune wrote, “No this ain’t no wax figure my Brodie went out gansta,” per XXL.
An Eventbrite page for the event describes it as “The Final Show,” and the description for the event did not ban cameras, but bags of any form were not allowed.
“NO BAGS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE BUILDING AS THIS IS A HANDS FREE EVENT. *No Exceptions*. THIS INCLUDES: Diaper Bags, Purses, Fanny Packs, Crossbody Bags or Lunch Boxes. NO STROLLERS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE BUILDING.”
Most fans of the late rapper reacted negatively to the bizarre video.
“Tbh goonew deserved way better in my opinion, long live him tho❤️,” one fan wrote alongside footage from the bizarre event.
“Our generation is so weird ??and people not even fazed by a dead corpse in the club like this ? Rip Goonew but I would never set up funeral arrangements like this ??”
Many fans speculated that the late rapper would not have wanted such an event staged after his death, as many admitted they found the footage disturbing.
It was reportedly his family’s decision to stage the event. Goonew’s mother was reportedly in attendance and took to the stage at one point during the “farewell” event.
Bliss Nightclub releases a statement
In a statement, the nightclub that hosted the event seemingly confirms that it was, in fact, the rapper’s body propped up on the stage.
“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,” their statement read, continuing:
“Bliss was never made aware of what would transpire. We sincerely apologize to all those who may be upset or offended. Please keep Goonew’s family and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Goonew died after he was robbed and shot in his back, according to his mother.