Goonew’s Mother Defends Son’s Corpse on Display at Farewell Event

Goonew’s mother, Patrice Morrow, is defending her decision to have the late rapper’s corpse stand upright on a stage at a farewell event earlier this week.

On Monday (April 4), the late rapper’s mom spoke with Fox5dc.com about the backlash she received for having Goonew’s dead body on display at a home-going event at Bliss nightclub in Washington, D.C., last Sunday (April 3). Clips from the gathering quickly began going viral on social media. The videos appear to show the DMV rapper’s cadaver standing upright onstage wearing sneakers, jeans, an Amiri hoodie and a crown on his head.

Patrice, who buried her son on Monday, told the outlet that Goonew, real name Markelle Morrow, would want everyone to celebrate his life and not be sad. She also added that her family are not bothered by the negative comments from people who were horrified by the clips circulating on social media.

“For all the negatives, people probably don’t even know nothing about us,” she told Fox5dc.com. “They have no idea. People just saying what they want to say and that’s fine. That’s perfectly fine. I’m pleased with how I sent my son away. I wish people would just let me grieve in peace.”

The Marrow family said they worked with the funeral home and with Bliss nightclub for the event dubbed “The Final Show.” They don’t regret having Goonew’s body on display at the club and reiterated that they don’t care what people think about it.

“We’re not trying to clear anything up,” said Ariana Morrow, Goonew’s sister. “We don’t care about anybody and what ya’ll have to say negative. Nobody. We don’t care.”

Reps for Bliss nightclub issued a statement to XXL apologizing for the offending images from Goonew’s farewell event.

“Our deepest condolences to Goonew’s family, friends, and fans,” reads the statement. “Bliss was contacted by a local funeral home to rent out our venue for Goonew’s home-going celebration. 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. Respectfully, Bliss DC.”

“We celebrated the life of my brother how we wanted,” said Ariana about Goonew’s farewell event. “My bother was a legend. My brother was a king and that’s how exactly how he wanted to go out.”

“To clear up the rumors in that place…the critics..it’s rude. It’s very disrespectful. It’s very insensitive,” she added, referring to the backlash on social media. “If you don’t like it, don’t speak on it. Let us grieve how we want to grieve.”

Goonew was shot and killed on March 18, in District Heights, Md. His murder remains unsolved.

Watch Fox 5 Washington DC’s report on Goonew’s mother response to the backlash of her late son’s farewell event below.