It will be weeks before Halloween and it would be a great idea to get yourself an awesome Halloween costume, just like the 'Pretty Little Liars' actress, Ashley Benson, who posted her 'Cecil The Lion' Halloween outfit on Instagram on Tuesday, October 6.
She captioned it, "Help! Can't decide on my Halloween costume this year! What do you guys think of this cecil the lion costume? @yandy #thanksyandy #halloweencostume."
A photo posted by Ashley Benson (@itsashbenzo) on Oct 6, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT
However, it seems like her post didn't sit well with some of her Instagram followers and the actress apparently received backlash.
Cecil the Lion was a protected animal in Africa, who previously made headlines after a Minnesota dentist shot and killed the animal.
Not too long after Cecil the Lion's death went viral on social media, several online stores began to sell 'Cecil the Lion' costumes. While this issue may not be that big for others, majority still thinks it's inappropriate to use the death of an innocent creature as some kind of props for holidays and other events.
Benson, who didn't expect the backlash she has been receiving following her Instagram post, immediately changed her wording to "What do you guys think of this lion costume?"
Despite editing her post, some of her followers just couldn't let her get away with it. In fact, one Instagram user commented on her edited post, saying "you called it 'Cecil the Lion! #clueless #smh #insensitive,"
Another user added, "It's a shame lions can't wear dead ignorant humans as costumes. Totally unaware douche."
Upon reading a lot of negative comments on her Instagram post, Benson sent an apology message posted on her Instagram, referring to her 'Cecil the Lion' costume.
"Yesterday's post was in poor taste and I absolutely regret all of the hurt that the photo caused," she wrote. "I love you all and I apologize if I let you down."
A photo posted by Ashley Benson (@itsashbenzo) on Oct 7, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT
While the outrage over Benson's original Instagram post turned out a little intense, there are few who sees wearing the Cecil the Lion costume as 'commemorative' and not disrespecful.
"When I read this thought she was trying to spread awareness of Cecil and not be disrespectful." one user wrote.
Another commented, "If anything Ashley is bringing awareness back to Cecil and she slayes in that costume."
