Outrage over Breaking Bad gravestone
A gravestone to commemorate Bryan Cranston's fictional character on Breaking Bad has been removed from a cemetery in New Mexico after complaints from grieving families.
More than 200 devoted fans of the show held a faux memorial for Walter White, the chemistry teacher-turned-drug manufacturer played by Cranston, in Albuquerque, where the show is set, over the weekend.
The move sparked outrage from relatives of loved ones buried at the Sunset Memorial Park over fears the site would become a tourist attraction, and a petition against the headstone attracted more than 1000 signatures.
The marker will now be erected outside local restaurant Vernon's Steakhouse, whose owners helped organise the fake funeral.
The restaurant's boss Michael Baird says, "It was never our intention to disrespect those who are buried at Sunset Memorial Park or cause pain to their families.
"We created the Walter White Funeral and Final Amends as a way to have a positive impact on the community and help those who are negatively impacted by the terrible effects of drug addiction and homelessness.
"We greatly apologise to anyone who was offended, and want to ensure that the focus remains on the amazing work that Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless does in our community."
The memorial raised $US17,000 ($17,718) for Healthcare for the Homeless, which helps people afflicted by drug addiction.
