Videos of Goonew's Dead Body Propped Up on Stage Spark Outrage

Video footage of slain rapper Goonew's corpse propped up a nightclub stage as mourners partied around his body has sparked outrage on social media.

Maryland musician Goonew, real name Markelle Morrow, was buried on Monday, after he was shot and killed in March. But the day before he was laid to rest, his family chose to celebrate the 24-year-old's life at Washington, D.C. nightclub Bliss.

In footage that has been shared on social media, Goonew's body is seen propped upright as those close to him danced to loud music and a large sparkler lit up the dark space.

Images showed the corpse dressed in an Amiri hoodie, jeans and sneakers, while a crown rested atop his head.

As the footage circulated, a host of Twitter users expressed their shock and horror at the way in which Goonew's loved ones chose to say goodbye.

"I don't know who the rapper #Goonew was," wrote one detractor. "The fact y'all had his dead body propped up at a club is very disrespectful and weird asf. Rapper or not y'all a**es just have me lost for words. Funeral/Viewing at a club with his body propped up on stage. Y'all need some mf help."

"Our generation is so weird," commented another, "and people not even fazed by a dead corpse in the club like this. Rip Goonew but I would never set up funeral arrangements like this."

However, in an interview with local D.C. Fox affiliate WTTG, the rapper's family defended the unconventional farewell.

Goonew's mother, Patrice Morrow, said that she didn't want attendees to be sad, as she added how she said goodbye to her son was her prerogative.

"For all the negatives, people probably don't even know nothing about us," she said. "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."

Reiterating the defiant stance, Goonew's sister, Ariana Morrow, said: "We're not trying to clear anything up. We don't care about anybody and what ya'll have to say negative. Nobody. We don't care.

"They're like, I know his mama wouldn't approve of that. Yeah, she did, she was on stage with us."

On Monday, an apology to "all those who may be upset or offended" by the event was issued on the Instagram page of Bliss Nightclub.

"Our deepest condolences to Goonew's family, friends, and fans," read 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."

Per WTTG, Goonew was shot and killed on March 18 in District Heights, Maryland. As police continue to investigate the homicide, they have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to any arrests.