Aaliyah's family asks for 'respect' after fan is caught adding lipstick to new wax figure

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY

Aaliyah's estate is calling out "inappropriate and unacceptable" behavior toward the late icon's new wax figure.

Madame Tussauds unveiled Aaliyah's wax figure in Las Vegas Wednesday ahead of the 18-year anniversary of her tragic death in a plane crash when she was 22.

Her family took to Twitter days later to ask fans to show the singer's wax figure some respect after some museum-goers defaced the replica with makeup.

"We ask kindly that anyone visiting the Aaliyah wax figure … please treat it with respect, this has been a lot of years of hard work by her fans petitioning and her family’s …support," the statement reads. "Below is inappropriate and unacceptable."

The tweet was accompanied by a photo of a fan applying what appears to be Aaliyah's M.A.C. collection lip gloss onto the singer's replicia. In another photo, Aaliyah's sleek black hair was noticeably altered.

In another tweet, Aaliyah's official Twitter account shared a direct message from Madame Tussauds, which reads: "Don't worry! We have artists on site daily that reset the figures and make sure they look their best every day."

Her family wrote, "Message from @TussaudsVegas thanks, please do, it’s a shame some people have no respect !!"

A figure of R&B princess Aaliyah was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian Las Vegas on Aug. 21, 2019.
A figure of R&B princess Aaliyah was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian Las Vegas on Aug. 21, 2019.

Aaliyah was memorialized in her iconic look from 2000's "Try Again" music video: a silver sequin bra, matching choker and leather pants. The look has been replicated by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Keke Palmer.

Aug. 25 marked 18 year's since Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash, prompting tributes from many of her famous friends, including her former producer, Missy Elliott.

"Aaliyah it’s been 18 years now but your STYLE & MUSIC still continues to IMPACT all the generations behind you! May you rest In paradise in PEACE," Elliott tweeted. "You will NEVER be forgotten so MANY LOVE you BabygirlWE ALL MISS YOU!"

More: Missy Elliott tears up as first female rapper inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaliyah's family asks fans to respect her Madame Tussauds wax figure