Target pulls card poking fun of Whitney Houston

NEW YORK -- Target is pulling a greeting card that makes fun of the late singer Whitney Houston's penchant for bad boys.

The discounter said Wednesday the card was sold in its stores prior to Houston's death on Feb. 11, and as soon as it was brought to the retailer's attention, Target Corp. began "the process of removing the card."

The card reads: "Next time you think of dating the bad boy, consider Whitney Houston."

The text refers to Houston's rocky relationship with ex-husband and singer Bobby Brown. Brown has been blamed by some for Houston's reported drug use.

"It is never our intent to offend guests with the products we offer, and we take feedback from guests very seriously," said Target in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

Houston, 48, was found dead hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammy Awards party. No cause of death has been determined.