Sophia Begg: Influencer dresses up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for costume party
Influencer, 19, sparks backlash for dressing up as the stingray who killed Steve Irwin at an Aussie-themed costume party
A 19-year-old influencer is facing backlash for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Australian-themed costume party.
Sophia Begg, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online, 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 outfit.
“Steve Irwin could never do that,” one fan wrote, to which she replied, “This is what this is for HAHAHAH. I’m going to an Aussie costume party in a duo costume.
“They go like Steve Irwin and I go like a stingray.”
Nineteen-year-old influencer Sophia Begg (pictured) is facing backlash for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Australian-themed costume party
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 filmed 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.
The 19-year-old dressed up in a stingray onesie in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday
The influencer then revealed that she dresses up as a stingray while her boyfriend goes to an Aussie themed dress up party as Steve Irwin.
“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.
This sparked outrage from several fans and followers, who berated Sophia for being “disrespectful” to the Irwin family. “It’s literally a blatant disrespect,” said one user on TikTok
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 or lifestyle content.
Ms. Begg has 506,000 followers on Instagram and 101,000 followers on TikTok where she is known for sharing fashion or lifestyle content