An influencer who dressed up as a stingray that killed Steve Irwin as part of a couple's costume has issued an apology.
TikTok star Sopha Dopha, 19, has shared a statement apologising for her choice of costume for the Australia themed costume party, where she told followers that she "didn't mean to offend anyone" or to "disrespect Steve's family".
However the influencer later deleted her apology from her social media accounts without any explanation.
Prior to attending the Australian themed party, Sopha Dopha showed off her stingray costume on her TikTok as she explained her friend will be Steve Irwin.
In her apology statement, she revealed she chose not to wear the outfit after realising its poor taste.
Addressing the backlash she received, she said: "Hi guys, I just wanted to jump on here to clear up some things.
"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 continued: "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."
The influencer received a pouring of criticism for her costume choice when she shared it online on Wednesday as she declared it was an outfit she "can't wait to wear for European summer."
However in the comments on her post, she revealed it was in fact meant as part of a double act where she would be a stingray and her friend would dress up as Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.
Whilst Sopha Dopha might have intended it as a joke, other social media users didn't see it that way.
One commented: "It's literally blatant disrespect."
Another added: "Definitely not a joke."
A third shared: "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."
"Obviously [she has] never lost a parent so they wouldn't understand the hurt of seeing it.," wrote another.
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin died on September 4 in 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb whilst filming in Queensland.
