Influencer Sophia Begg, 19, apologises for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin

TikTok star Sophia Begg has apologised for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Australian-themed costume party.

The influencer, 19, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online, issued a statement on Thursday saying she ‘didn’t mean to offend anyone’ or ‘disrespect Steve’s family’.

She later deleted her apology without explanation. 

‘Hi guys, I just wanted to jump on here to clear up some things,’ she began, addressing the backlash she faced for her bad-taste costume.

‘I love Steve Irwin and would never want to cause disrespect to his family or legacy. He is an iconic Aussie and no offence was meant by my costume.’

She said she had thought about her actions and decided not to wear the costume to the party she was planning to attend. 

‘I have thought about and reflected on my costume and I will not be wearing it and apologise wholeheartedly to anyone who was offended by it. That was definitely not my intention. I apologise sincerely,’ she concluded.

Ms Begg sparked backlash earlier this week for dressing up as the stingray that killed Steve Irwin for an Aussie costume party.

The influencer, 19, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online, issued a statement on Thursday saying she ‘didn’t mean to offend anyone’ or ‘disrespect Steve’s family’ 

The teen wore a stingray onesie in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday and jokingly said 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 costume.

‘Steve Irwin could never,’ one fan wrote, to which she replied: ‘This is what this is for! I’m going to an Aussie dress-up party in a duo costume.

‘They’re going as Steve Irwin and I’m going as a stingray.’ 

The teen wore a stingray onesie in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday and jokingly said it was an outfit she ‘can’t wait to wear for European summer’

Steve Irwin (pictured), known around the world as ‘the Crocodile Hunter’, died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb

Steve Irwin, known around the world as ‘the Crocodile Hunter’, died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb.

The popular wildlife conservationist, TV personality and Aussie icon was filming a documentary series called Ocean’s Deadliest in Batt Reef, Queensland, at the time.

Ms Begg’s choice of outfit sparked outrage among her TikTok followers, who called her out for being ‘disrespectful’ to the Irwin family.

‘It’s literally blatant disrespect,’ one person commented.

Meanwhile, over in a private Facebook group, the costume had a mixed reception: several people said it was tasteless, while others thought it was just a joke

‘Definitely not a joke,’ another added. 

A screenshot of the video was shared to influencer watchdog account @dutchminty, which added a poll asking its followers if the idea was ‘fine and funny’ or ‘disrespectful and offensive’.

The majority of voters agreed the costume was inappropriate.

Ms Begg’s choice of outfit sparked outrage among her TikTok followers, who called her out for being ‘disrespectful’ to the Irwin family 

Meanwhile, over in a private Facebook group, the costume had a mixed reception: several people said it was tasteless, while others thought it was just a joke.

‘Totally disrespectful I hope his family doesn’t see this! Being such a big influence and taking the p**s on someone death is a bit embarrassing,’ one critic wrote.

‘No dark humour in this at all.’

Another said: ‘Obviously [she has] never lost a parent so they wouldn’t understand the hurt of seeing it.’ 

But one Facebook user said: ‘I think it’s funny and I loved Steve Irwin. Life’s too short to take seriously.’

‘I feel like Steve would have laughed at this,’ added another.

Ms Begg boasts 506,000 followers on Instagram and 101,000 followers on TikTok, where she is known for sharing fashion and lifestyle content.

Ms Begg boasts 506,000 followers on Instagram and 101,000 followers on TikTok, where she is known for sharing fashion and lifestyle content