Halloween 2016: Most Controversial Halloween Costumes

LUANN DE LESSEPS

The Real Housewives of New York City star appeared at fellow Housewife Dorinda Medley's Halloween bash in October 2017 dressed as Diana Ross — complete with a '70s-inspired white halter-top jumpsuit and oversized black afro.

But viewers of the show's season 10 premiere, which featured de Lesseps in the costume, were quick to criticize what appeared to be her darkened skin tone. "Luann's costume is so disrespectful," noted costar Carole Radziwill in the episode. "I think she's tone-deaf when it comes to cultural stereotypes."

De Lesseps addressed their concerns later that night during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. "I'm horrified!" the former Countess said. "I never meant to hurt anybody's feelings. I love Diana Ross and I totally respect Diana Ross. It was really kind of a tribute to her, and it was Halloween."

HILARY DUFF

After causing an uproar among Twitter users over her and former beau Jason Walsh's culturally insensitive costumes — they dressed as a sexy pilgrim and Native American "chief" for a party — the Younger star took to social media to apologize. "I am SO sorry to people I offended with my costume," she tweeted. "It was not properly thought through and I am truly, from the bottom of my [heart] sorry." Walsh echoed the actress's statements: "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."

JULIANNE HOUGH

Back in 2013, the former Dancing with the Stars pro chose to dress up as the character of Crazy Eyes from Orange Is the New Black. Only problem? The star showed up to a Halloween party in blackface, which people didn't take so lightly, prompting Hough to release a public apology. "I am a huge fan of the show Orange Is the New Black, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has created," Hough tweeted. "It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way. I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize."

ASHLEY BENSON

The Pretty Little Liars star is known for documenting day-to-day happenings on her Instagram account — and her search for the perfect Halloween costume in 2015 was no exception. Benson posted a pic of herself in a lion costume with the caption: "Help! Can't decide on my Halloween costume this year! What do you guys think of this Cecil the Lion costume?" The post was met with outrage from commenters, considering the look was inspired by the illegal killing of a famous lion in Zimbabwe. "I recognize that I am responsible for everything posted on my social accounts and this was an unfortunate oversight," she wrote on Instagram, apologizing to her fans. "I am a supporter of Animal conservation and I will be donating all proceeds of this deal to the World Wildlife Fund. I love you all and I apologize if I let you down."

HEIDI KLUM

The supermodel always goes all for her annual Halloween bash. So in an attempt to shock fans in 2008, she dressed as Hindu Goddess Kali — drawing criticism from the Hindu-American community. "Hindus welcome Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse themselves in Hinduism, but they should take it seriously and respectfully, and not just use the religion for decoration or to advance their selfish agenda," read a statement given by Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed.

SCOTT DISICK

Disick angered many when he chose to go as an Arab Sheik on Halloween 2014. "Happy halloween! We getting Arab money tonight," he wrote on Instagram alongside a pic of himself in the garb — with a caption that most likely references a 2008 song by Busta Rhymes.

HARRY HAMLIN & LISA RINNA

The couple took to Instagram to apologize for a swastika T-shirt Hamlin wore as part of his Halloween costume in 2015. "If I hurt you we were being authentic to the characters of Sid [Vicious] and Nancy for our Halloween costumes," the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote of the pair's couple costume. "It hurt and angered many of you and we are deeply sorry for that. That was never our intention. We did not mean to offend. With love, Lisa and Harry."

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