Director Spike Lee is starting off the new year mourning the loss of his younger brother, Christopher Lee. The iconic film director delivered the news on his Instagram account on New Year’s Eve, posting a picture of a single flower in his hand and saying the following:
Mr. Christopher Lee R.I.P December 23,1958-December 30,2013. Chris Is My Brother Born Right After Me.Not A Good Way To Start The New Year.May God Bless His Soul
Christopher “Shadow” Lee passed at the age of 55, but the cause of his death is unknown as of yet. Christopher was a graffiti artist who had bumped heads with Spike in the past over money. According to BET News and Rhymes With Snitch, he spoke out to the National Enquirer and said that Spike wouldn’t front him his share of the value of a family home and had not been helping him financially as he was on the verge of losing his own home. Lee reportedly replied to the accusations with a question:
My brother’s statements to the Enquirer are falsehoods. Nonetheless, my siblings and I still love him. I’m not the first nor will I be the last public figure who will be accused by a sibling of not doing enough. My question is, ‘When is enough enough?’
Christopher is one of Spike’s four other siblings, including sister Joie, and brothers David, Cinque and Arnold (the latter from his father’s second marriage). Spike posted about the funeral arrangements for his brother on Instagram on New Year’s Day, saying the funeral will take place on Saturday:
Memorial Services For Our Brother Christopher”SHADOW” Lee Will Be Held This Saturday January 4th 10am At The Brown Memorial Church 484 Washington Avenue Corner Of Gates Avenue In Brooklyn New York.All Chris’ Friends In The Grafitti Community Are More a Than Welcome To Attend. The Lee Family
Condolences to the entire family during this time of mourning.
