Gene Page/ABC via Getty Images)Queen of Versailles' Jackie Siegel has garnered a slew of criticism after photos from her daughter Victoria Siegel's funeral surfaced earlier this week.
The images that are causing the most controversy appear to show the reality star mother taking photos of her daughter's casket as it's being placed inside of a hearse.
The family's spokesperson, Michael Marder, has released the following statement to E! News defending the grieving mother and slamming any judgment aimed at how she behaved at her daughter's funeral.
"People deal with grief differently. Mrs. Siegel is grieving as we all are. I have been with the family starting from the very first moment they learned of Victoria's death and I can tell you that she has cried ... a lot ...and has been on an emotional roller[coaster]."
He continued, "There is no authoritative manual that tells us how to grieve. The entire family has been sleeping together in the large family room of the house since this horrible tragedy happened. They are talking together, crying together and caring for and loving each other. The family has been through a terrible tragedy and had been hurt enough and the way Mrs. Siegel is being portrayed by some in the media is just adding additional pain not only to her but the entire family."
Jackie confirmed her 18-year-old daughter's death via Facebook this past Sunday.
"The family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support that they have received and request that their privacy be respected while they mourn their loss," the family spokesperson said at the time.
He added that the couple and their seven children are "devastated and heartbroken by the loss of their beloved Victoria. They are hurt, deeply wounded and they are grieving. Victoria was a beautiful spirit with a wonderful smile who was greatly loved, and will be deeply missed."