Instagram Influencer Faces Criticism For Posing In Front Of Father’s Casket

By Samantha in Social Issues On 3rd November 2021
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Many on the internet were left speechless after this famous South Carolina Instagram and TikTok influencer posted her pictures of posing in front of her father's open casket. 

The influencer Jayne Rivera has defended her action of posing in front of the open casket. The casket is draped with an American flag. In the caption, Rivera—based in Florida—celebrated her father’s “well-lived” life.

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“Butterfly fly away,” she wrote. “Rip Papi you were my best friend. A life we lived.” 

There is no doubt that grieve comes to people in different ways and this is the last thing that people should be judging, however, Rivera's unique tribute to her dad went viral on social media in a short span of time and it became the center of criticism.

On the other hand, Rivera—who originally shared the photos on Sunday and spoke with NBC News about the pushback on Wednesday—says she understands the “negative reception” the photos have received.

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Rivera, 20, talking to the news outlet said that she took the pictures 'with the best of intentions' and in a manner that her father 'would have approved' were he still here with her.

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Talking about the criticism, Rivera says that every person has their own way of dealing with their loss and some people opt for the 'traditional' route while others take a route that some consider being—in her words—“taboo.”

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Rivera's father, Jose Antonio Rivera, is reported to have died earlier this month at the age of 56.  Further, she defended her funeral pictures by pointing that her father used to appear with her on videos and that she has 'worked very hard' to build her audiences.

It is to note here that while the majority criticized Rivera for her insensitive action there were many who also defended the photos and/or joked that they would like someone to do the exact same thing at their own funeral.

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“There is nothing wrong with what I posted, and I stand by that,” Rivera said. 

Rivera says that her Instagram account has been disabled without any reason provided to her. 

Talking to Complex, a Facebook company spokesperson said that Rivera's account has been disabled though not because of the viral funeral picture.

According to the New York Post, Rivera had more than 84,000 followers. Her TikTok, meanwhile, is still live and currently has more than 307,000 followers.