Whitney Houston memorabilia to be auctioned to highest bidder

As the pop world is still collectively catching its breath from the news of Whitney Houston’s passing folks are already primed to make money off of the late star’s memorabilia items. This news has many people wondering, “Is it too soon to be profiting from the death of Whitney Houston?”

Sony already had a scandal on its hands when the price of two of Whitney’s albums, “The Ultimate Collection” and “The Greatest Hits,” jumped in price only hours after her passing. Via iTunes in Britain the prices for these two releases soared and it was due to Sony having changed the wholesale price it charges digital retailers. Many people were outraged at the idea and Sony has now stated that it was an accident.

“Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the U.K. iTunes store on Sunday. When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected. We apologize for any offense caused.”

Now we have noted auction house Julien’s slated to put up items from Whitney’s past including a black dress worn by the singer as well as a pair of earrings and a vest she donned in her film The Bodyguard.

While Sony took the “whoops, that was an accident route” Julien’s head-honcho, Darren Julien, is flat out addressing the fact that the sell is about making money in association with Houston’s death.

“It proves a point that these items, they’re an investment. You buy items just like a stock. Buy at the right time and sell at the right time, and they just increase in value.”

Julien added:

“It’s a celebration of her life. If you hide these things in fear that you’re going to offend someone – her life is to be celebrated. These items are historic now that she passed. They become a part of history. They should be in museums. She’s lived a life and had a career that nobody else has ever had.”

The black dress is valued at $1,000 but can be expected to sell for much more. The vest in question starts at $400, and a pair of faux-pearl earrings are listed at $600.

Julien acknowledged that these items became available after Houston’s passing and now will be included as part of the scheduled Hollywood Legends auction on March 31, April 1.

Do you have a problem with Julien’s matter-of-fact explanation as to why these items are being sold and does it seem insensitive that people are making a profit off of Whitney’s passing so soon? Or do you see this as Julien does, as a smart business investment and an opportunity for those who adored Houston to celebrate her life while obtaining something meaningful and tangible that can connect them to the artist they so admired?