American influencer Karissa Widder has sparked significant controversy after posting a video of herself preparing for her newborn baby’s funeral. In the video, which shows her smiling and twirling in a polka-dotted dress, she overlays text that reads, “Getting ready for my baby’s funeral, where I got ready for my wedding.” The video, shared on Instagram and viewed over 12 million times, has shocked many.
In the caption, Widder explains, “We had her celebration of life where we got married. There is no better place to celebrate our girl.” The unconventional nature of her approach to grief has left viewers divided.
Despite disabling comments on her Instagram post, the video made its way to Reddit, where it drew strong reactions. Critics questioned the appropriateness of sharing such personal moments publicly, with some users expressing outrage. One Redditor questioned, “Have people lost their conscience, mind, and everything for a few likes and comments?” Another criticized her for smiling and twirling while preparing for her child’s funeral.
The controversy intensified as users found additional videos from Widder documenting her grief, including footage of her holding her daughter for the last time and packing up the nursery. These videos also received mixed reactions, with some accusing her of using her grief for content.
In response to the backlash, Widder addressed the criticism on her Instagram Stories. She remarked, “These comments are savage hahah,” and later added, “Sorry to the haters that I still smile and get dressed. So crazy, I know.”
Widder’s baby tragically passed away just two days after birth. Despite the criticism, some people have shown support, acknowledging that grief manifests differently for everyone. One Reddit user defended her, saying, “People cope in different ways, and she’s very vocal about trying her best during these difficult moments.”
Another Instagram comment read, “Getting dressed and heading out into the world was the only way I could move through my grief. People will judge you no matter what you do. Prayers to you and your family.”
Karissa Widder’s approach to mourning has sparked intense debate, highlighting the diverse ways individuals cope with loss in the age of social media.
