Apple and Sony Slammed for Profiting from Whitney Houston's Death
Apple and Sony have been accused of exploiting Whitney Houston's death by allegedly raising the cost of the late singer's most in-demand albums on iTunes.
By Monday, a number of Houston songs and albums had topped iTunes charts and the price of Houston's 2007 Ultimate Collection album had significantly increased since her untimely death was announced on Saturday, according to Digital Trends.
As fans flocked to purchase Houston's legendary music, Apple executives reportedly used the tragedy as an opportunity to increase profits raising the price of one particular album by $3.
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Prior to Houston's death The Ultimate Collection was available for $8 on iTunes, and roughly twelve hours after the 48-year-old was pronounced dead the album cost had jumped up to approximately $12.60.
The mother of one, best known for her 1992 platinum hit "I Will Always Love You," continues to dominate the iTunes charts since her passing and fans have expressed anger at both Apple and Sony via Twitter.
"Nice to see that Apple is mourning the death of Whitney Houston by raising the prices on all of her music. #YouStayClassy," Zap Davids tweeted.
"Dark and frankly cynical move from Sony music - hiking the price of Whitney tracks after her death," Dom Hodge tweeted.
"Whitney's Houston's record label raised the price of her songs on iTunes by over 60% after her death. Shameless!
"#Apple has the WORST corporate ethics EVER. Raising prices of Whitney Houston albums and LP's on music store. #DontSupportApple," Shawn J. Sitter tweeted.
Although most critics are blaming Apple for the alleged exploitation, others suggest Sony is at fault as some suspect that they have complete control over pricing.
Houston was one of the world's most successful female vocalists, selling more than 170 million albums and singles worldwide.
She had also won six Grammy Awards, two Emmy awards, 22 American Music Awards and 30 Billboard Music Awards.
Houston was found dead in her hotel bathtub on Saturday, and while the cause of death has not yet been confirmed critics speculate that prescription drugs played a key role in her death.
SEE VIDEO OF WHITNEY HOUSTON'S FINAL PERFORMANCE BEFORE DEATH
SEE VIDEO OF WHITNEY HOUSTON & BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN PERFORMING "MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE"
SEE VIDEO OF LL COOL J'S PRAYER FOR WHITNEY HOUSTON ON GRAMMYS 2012
