"The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste."

Members of Whitney Houston's estate and family have issued a statement criticising a "joke" made during the Golden Globes about the late singer. Whitney, who is often considered the best vocalist of all time, passed away at the age of 48 in 2012. News of her death came as a huge shock to her fans around the world, and the entire music industry. At this year's Golden Globes, a joke was made at her expense. Host Jerrod Carmichael referenced the venue, saying: "Here we are, live from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton." The estate of Whitney Houston issued a statement (through a representative via TMZ) saying: "The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste." The joke about Whitney Houston's death was not the only controversial moment of the night. Carmichael also took aim at Tom Cruise and Scientology. The Top Gun actor did not attend the show, and he famously returned three of his awards last year amid a boycotting of the event due to a number of controversies relating to the Hollywood Foreign Press and its lack of diversity. During this year's show, Carmichael brought three awards out onto the stage and made a reference to Shelly Miscavige, the wife of Scientology leader David Miscavige. Shelly was last seen in public in August 2007, attracting public concern about her wellbeing. Referencing this, and Cruise's membership of the Church of Scientology, Carmichael said: "Hey guys, backstage I found these. It's the three Golden Globes that Tom Cruise returned. I'm just a host briefly or whatever, but I have a pitch. Maybe we take these three things and exchange them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige."

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