Ashley Benson’s ‘Cecil The Lion’ Halloween Costume Sparks Outrage; Actress Apologizes For ‘Oversight’

Ashley Benson came under fire for an Instagram post that suggested she was wearing a Cecil the Lion Halloween costume.

Ashley Benson’s Cecil The Lion Costume

“Help! Can’t decide on my Halloween costume this year! What do you guys think of this Cecil the Lion costume?” read Benson’s initial post. The caption has since been amended to read “this lion costume.”

A photo posted by Ashley Benson (@itsashbenzo) on Oct 6, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT

Following the initial posting, the Pretty Little Liars star was on the receiving end of some social media outrage. Responding to the strong reactions, Benson, in addition to changing the caption, offered an apology. According the actress, though she didn’t upload the post, she takes responsibility and will therefore donate the proceeds of the deal to the World Wildlife Fund.

“Yesterday’s post was in poor taste and I absolutely regret all of the hurt that photo caused,” Benson wrote. “The caption that was posted was incorrect and my costume was not Cecil the Lion, when I saw that I contacted my management who handled the post and had it immediately changed.”

“I recognize that I am responsible for everything posted on my social accounts and this was an unfortunate oversight,” she added. “I am a supporter of animal conservation and I will be donating all of the proceeds of this deal to the World Wildlife Fund. I love you all and I apologize if I let you down.”

A photo posted by Ashley Benson (@itsashbenzo) on Oct 7, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT