Influencer Sophia Begg, 19, apologises for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin
TikTok star Sophia Begg has apologized for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Australian-themed costume party.
The 19-year-old influencer, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online, released a statement Thursday saying she “had no intention of offending anyone” or “disrespecting Steve’s family.”
She later deleted her apology without explanation.
“Hey guys, I just wanted to jump in on this to clear some things up,” she began, addressing the backlash she received for her dirty costume.
“I love Steve Irwin and would never want to be disrespectful to his family or legacy. He’s an iconic Aussie and my costume wasn’t meant to offend.”
TikTok star Sophia Begg has apologized for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Australian-themed dress-up party
She said she had thought about her actions and decided not to wear the costume at the party she planned to attend.
“I’ve thought and thought about my costume, but I won’t be wearing it and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by it. That was certainly not my intention. My sincere apologies,” she concluded.
Ms Begg caused backlash earlier this week for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Aussie costume party.
The 19-year-old influencer, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online, released a statement on Thursday saying she “had no intention of offending anyone” or “disrespecting Steve’s family”
The teen wore a stingray onesie in a TikTok video posted Wednesday, jokingly saying it was an outfit she “can’t wait to wear for European summer.”
In the comments section, Ms. Begg revealed her real intentions for the costume.
“Steve Irwin could never do that,” one fan wrote, to which she replied, “This is what this is for! I’m going to an Aussie costume party in a duo costume.
“They go like Steve Irwin and I go like a stingray.”
The teen wore a stingray onesie in a TikTok video posted Wednesday, jokingly saying it was an outfit she ‘can’t wait to wear for European summer’
Steve Irwin (pictured), known worldwide as “the Crocodile Hunter,” died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being gored in the chest by a stingray
Steve Irwin, known worldwide as “the crocodile hunter,” died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44, after being gored in the chest by a stingray.
The popular conservationist, TV personality and Aussie icon was at the time filming a documentary series called Ocean’s Deadliest in Batt Reef, Queensland.
Mrs. Begg’s choice of clothes sparked outrage among her TikTok followers, who berated her for being “disrespectful” to the Irwin family.
“It’s literally a blatant disrespect,” one person commented.
Meanwhile, in a private Facebook group, the costume received mixed reception: several people said it was tacky, while others thought it was just a joke.
“Certainly no joke,” added another.
A screenshot of the video was shared with influencer watchdog account @dutchminty, who added a poll asking her followers if the idea was “fine and funny” or “disrespectful and offensive.”
The majority of voters agreed that the costume was inappropriate.
Ms Begg’s outfit choice sparked outrage among her TikTok followers, who berated her for being “disrespectful” to the Irwin family
Meanwhile, in a private Facebook group, the costume received mixed reception: several people said it was tacky, while others thought it was just a joke.
“Completely disrespectful, I hope his family doesn’t see this! It’s kind of embarrassing to have such a big influence and take the p**s on someone’s death,” one critic wrote.
“There’s no black humor in this at all.”
Another said, “Of course [she has] never lost a parent so they wouldn’t understand the pain of seeing it.”
But one Facebook user said, “I think it’s funny and I loved Steve Irwin. Life is too short to take seriously.’
“I feel like Steve would have laughed at this,” added another.
Ms. Begg has 506,000 followers on Instagram and 101,000 followers on TikTok, where she is known for sharing fashion and lifestyle content.
Ms. Begg has 506,000 followers on Instagram and 101,000 followers on TikTok where she is known for sharing fashion and lifestyle content