Apology from Microsoft for Amy Winehouse Tweet

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By Rima Bek

Redmond, Washington (Hollywood Today) 07/25/11—Microsoft apologized after tweeting a tribute to 27-year-old English singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead in her London apartment earlier this week. Microsoft caused controversy by encouraging mourning fans to purchase her music from Microsoft’s media store as a way of reminiscing her memory. The tweet from the official PR account for Xbox 360 read: “Remember Amy Winehouse by downloading the ground-breaking ‘Back to Black’ over at Zune.”

However, this tweet instantaneously received criticism, being called ‘crass’ and ‘distasteful.’ One hour after this appalling tweet, Microsoft expressed their supposed sorrow: “Apologies to everyone if our earlier Amy Winehouse ‘download’ tweet seemed purely commercially motivated. Far from the case, we assure you.”

A following tweet read, “With Amy W’s passing, the world has lost a huge talent. Our thoughts are with Amy’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

There were some Twitter users who were sympathetic to the company, pointing out that Apple put an image of the pop singer with the words, “remembering Amy Winehouse.” Apparently, just because it is custom to commercialize on a celebrity’s death means that it is right and acceptable. It’s not.

While it is understandable that these companies are not here to mourn but to do business, it’s still right and within good to taste to first offer their condolences, give breathing room on such a piece of tragic news and then to go about their business. It is those actions done in a genuine manner that create genuine respect for said business.

Letter from Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation

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Bill and Melinda Gates at Lee High School during the Texas learning tour (Houston, Texas, 2008).