Celebrity Big Brother was accused of “disrespecting” Aretha Franklin after using her hit song R.E.S.P.E.C.T hours after she died.
The famous track was played as US reality TV star Natalie Nunn made her way into the Borehamwood bungalow on Thursday night’s launch show.
The decision angered viewers who claimed it was “insensitive” to send Nunn, who called herself a “queen,” into the house with Franklin's song in the background.
One tweeted: “Erm no... Just no!! A true legend passes and #CBB think its OK to play an #ArethaFranklin song to that state walking in... 'The Queen' has not arrived, the Queen of Soul has left.”
Another posted: “A little bit disrespectful using RESPECT by Aretha Franklin for the self proclaimed bad girl on the day that she passed - RIP. Not a great move!”
Franklin died, aged 76, on Thursday morning after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
The tragic news was confirmed by her publicist days after it was reported the legendary singer’s death was “imminent”.
Franklin’s family said they are struggling to find “the appropriate words to express the pain” in the wake of the news.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart,” they said in a statement. “We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family.”
Celebrity Big Brother 2018 launch night
President Obama, who Franklin performed for at his inauguration in 2009, paid tribute on Twitter, praising her for helping to “define the American experience”.
Sir Elton John described her death as a “blow to everybody who loves real music,” while Mariah Carey thanked her as “my inspiration, my mentor and my friend”.
Diana Ross said she was “sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin”, while Adele said she had been left “absolutely heartbroken”.
Celebrity Big Brother is on Channel 5, tonight at 9pm
