Emmys Memorial Tribute Raises Questions

A special memorial tribute to Glee's Cory Monteith at the upcoming Emmy's has raised eyebrows. INSIDE EDITION gets reaction from the awards show host, Neil Patrick Harris.

Emmy host, Neil Patrick Harris spoke out about a brewing controversy over a special tribute being planned at this weekend's Emmys for the late star of Glee, Cory Monteith.

"This year I just thought, well we all thought, that there were some deaths that needed to be acknowledged," said Harris.

Critics are asking whether Monteith, who died of a drug overdose in July, deserves to be part of a special memorial tribute at  the eagerly awaited awards show.

"I dont think there's anything exploitive about it. In fact, we're having Jane Lynch talk about Cory, and I think that we actually have a lesson we want to discuss within the context of that," said Harris.

Some major TV personalities—even legends—died this year, including The Sopranos' James Gandolfini, All in the Family's Jean Stapleton, and comedian Jonathan Winters.

All will get a special tribute with Monteith, leading The LA Times to ask: "Does Cory Monteith deserve a special Emmy nod?"

According to Harris: "There is a whole generation of kids who were suddently shocked by someone who died of a drug overdose, and I think that warrants further disccusion."

Harris is the go-to awards show guy. He won raves for hosting both the Emmys and the Tonys last year.

"I received a phone call saying, 'Will you consider hosting the Emmys?' I said really? I just did the Tonys.' But when your boss asks you to do something, you know, its a big deal so you have to say yes," said Harris.