The internet is divided after Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Malina White, posted a heartfelt, but eyebrow-raising, tribute to the late actor, complete with a winky face emoji.
In the post, White who dated Warner from 2000-2007, described their relationship as profoundly “karmic” and that she will love Warner “always in all ways.”
“What a profound Karmic Relationship my friend,” White captioned the photo of Warner with his arms wrapped around her. “Thank you. 🙇🏽♀️ until we meet again ❤️ Love you Always in All Ways 😉“
White also sent condolences to Warner’s mother, Pam Warner, and his wife and daughter.
Social Media Reacts
The sudden passing of beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has left many in mourning, but White’s tribute isn’t being received with open arms from all.
One Instagram user wrote under the comment, “In all ways is kinda wild not gon’ lie.” Another added, “this was a courageous post cause BABY…”
A third critic suggested the use of a wink and the particular choice of photo were inappropriate. “The selection of the picture along with the wink is inappropriate in my opinion. Unfortunately etiquette and couth are absent in our time. Regina King who also was intimately involved with him paid her tribute in a tasteful and respectful manner. I’m sure she’s grieving too.”
The critics of White’s post seemingly took into consideration Warner, 54 being a married man and had settled into a more private life in recent years. He kept his marriage and family mostly out of the spotlight, rarely sharing photos or personal details. His tragic death, confirmed to be caused by accidental drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica, sent shockwaves through Black Hollywood and beyond.
However, many supported White’s tribute arguing that you can’t tell her how to grieve and that the post was indeed respectful.
“These comments are so disappointing. Sending you love & light,” wrote one person under White’s post.
Another comment defended the actress. “Are yall slow? They were friends for over 20 years. Grew up in the industry together! Stop and let her grieve.”
Past Girlfriends
White was not Warner’s only actress girlfriend. During his time on the hit sitcom The Cosby Show, the actor dated actress Michelle Thomas. Warner was in a relationship with Thomas, who played his character Theo Huxtable’s girlfriend Justine Phillips on the NBC comedy from 1988 to 1994. She went on to appear on ABC’s Family Matters and the CBS soap The Young & the Restless.
Warner also dated actress Regina King for two years, from 2011 to 2013. Warner once called his romance with King “very special.“ “We like to protect what we have because it’s very special and very precious,” he told BET in October 2011, per New York Daily News. “But I will say that it’s a relationship that makes all the sense in the world.”