Hilary Duff is apologizing for a couples Halloween costume she wore to a party in Beverly Hills on Friday.
The “Younger” star dressed up as a pilgrim next to her boyfriend, trainer Jason Walsh, who was dressed up as a Native American, decorated with a headdress and face paint.
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 ❤️sorry.
— Hilary Duff (@HilaryDuff) October 30, 2016
Walsh took to Instagram to post his own apology: “I meant no disrespect. I only have admiration for the indigenous people of America. In hindsight I would not have made that decision. I apologize to anyone I may have offended.”
The costume comes at an especially awkward time, as Native Americans and sympathizers coming from around the world are busy protesting the North Dakota pipeline being built through sacred land on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
https://twitter.com/KrissiScribbles/status/792436340327448576
https://twitter.com/faaaadumo/status/792396404194840576
https://twitter.com/shanemorash1/status/792816084822794240
The Hollywood couple is not the first to apologize for wearing an offensive costume, and probably won’t be the last, as it seems to be an annual occurrence.
In 2013, Julianne Hough dressed up as Crazy Eyes from “Orange is the New Black” and, unfortunately, decided blackface was essential. More recently, country star Jason Aldean dressed up as Lil Wayne in 2015 and, you guessed it, also decided blackface was appropriate. “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth was also blasted for ringing in the New Year at a costume party, where he dressed up as a Native American.
Here is some of the reaction to the costume after pictures spread on social media over the weekend.
When you're thinking of what you should be for Halloween the answer should never be #CulturalAppropriation @HilaryDuff. That was terrible.
— Bre (@AmazingLackey) October 29, 2016
@JustJared @HilaryDuff Look how much work dude put into being racist.
— original cindy (@notlkjones_SOC) October 29, 2016
dang it, hilary duff. i thought you were one of the good ones.
— go team (@sportsballfc) October 29, 2016
There’s also those who are more bothered by all the people bothered by the costume.
Hillary Duff is being criticized as a privellaged white person for dressing up as a pilgrim…. Are you kidding me?
— David Ogas (@d_ogas72) October 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sierra_PrimRose/status/793110471830306816
https://twitter.com/Xenistro/status/793109163614154752
Hillary Duff is making news for dressing as a pilgrim and Native American for Halloween with her boyfriend. If that offends you, leave.
— El Niño Chulo (@ThaKingHimSelf) October 31, 2016
The Internet slams Hillary Duff for wearing offensive native American themed outfit but shows no action to protect native Americans.
— Tony Adams (@TweetTonyAdams) October 31, 2016