Hilary Duff has apologised after she and her boyfriend offended some fans with their poorly thought out Halloween costumes at the weekend.
Dressed as one of America's first people and a pilgrim – early Europeans who brought their religion to America – they swiftly drew criticism on social media.
In response Duff wrote on Twitter, “I am so sorry to people I offended with my costume. It was not properly thought through, and I am truly from the bottom of my [heart] sorry."
For his part, her partner Jason Walsh also apologised for any offence caused, saying on Instagram, “I meant no disrespect. I only have admiration for the indigenous people of America.”
It comes just days after Australia’s own Chris Hemsworth publicly apologised for doing the same thing last Halloween. Attending a “lone ranger” themed party with his actress wife Elsa Pataky, the pair wore the traditional dress of America's first people.
“I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way."
With Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, falling at the same time as Halloween, a number of celebrities have also been criticised for painting their faces as Calveras - intricately decorated artistic representations of skulls traditionally made out of clay or sugar.
Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky (both far left) wore the traditional dress of America's first people last Halloween (Instagram) Source: Instagram
This year, High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale and Full House actress Jodie Sweetin were both called out on Instagram for cultural appropriation.
“Thanks for wearing my culture as a costume. Really appreciate it,” one user wrote, while a second said, “That is NOT a Halloween costume. It's the way my people celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. Please stop appropriating a tradition you don't fully practice or embrace."
Of course this isn’t the first time celebrities – and members of the general public for that matter – have been called out for cultural appropriation over Halloween.
Last year reality TV star Julianne Hough was slammed for wearing blackface while dressing as the character Crazy Eyes from Orange Is The New Black and over the years model Hiedi Klum has come under fire for dressing as Hindu goddess Kali, and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend for attending a party as America's first people.
