Celebrity Halloween costumes often mix fun and fright, but some have sparked serious backlash. From Khloé Kardashian's 2003 'pimp' outfit to Lily Allen's Dr. Luke costume in 2014, these looks drew criticism for cultural appropriation, racism, or trivialising serious issues.
Paris Hilton Defends Family Costume
This year, Paris Hilton faced criticism over her family's Beauty and the Beast costume. She dressed as Belle, her husband Carter Reum as the Beast, their three-year-old son Phoenix as Lumière, and two-year-old daughter London as Chip. Commenters accused her of stealing her children's thunder, prompting Hilton to defend herself.
Past Controversial Costumes
In 2016, Hilary Duff and Jason Walsh attended a Halloween party as a pilgrim and a Native American, facing backlash for cultural appropriation and racial stereotyping. The timing was also criticised, as it coincided with protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Both later apologised.
In 2017, The Real Housewives of New York City star Luann de Lesseps dressed as Diana Ross, wearing a white jumpsuit, afro wig, and bronzer. Viewers accused her of blackface, which she denied. She later apologised on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, saying: 'I'm horrified! 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.'
Julianne Hough faced similar accusations in 2013 when she dressed as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren from Orange Is the New Black, darkening her skin with makeup. She apologised on X, saying: 'I am a huge fan of the show Orange Is the New Black, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has created. 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 apologise.'
Khloé Kardashian's 2003 Costume
In 2003, Khloé Kardashian dressed as a 'pimp' at age 19, posing with chain leashes attached to friends Malika and Khadijah Haqq and actresses Meagan and La'Myia Good, who wore white lingerie. Photos resurfaced years later, drawing criticism for promoting imagery tied to slavery and sex trafficking. Khloé never addressed it, but Meagan Good did in 2019, saying: 'That one time on Halloween when you were young and dumb. And clearly didn't think 15 years ahead lol smh. Welp, mistakes were made.'
Recent and Other Controversies
In 2023, Schitt's Creek star Emily Hampshire dressed as Johnny Depp with a friend as Amber Heard, just over a year after their defamation trial. She deleted the photos after criticism and apologised on Instagram, calling her choice 'ignorant' and 'insensitive,' adding: 'Domestic abuse is never, ever funny.'
Lily Allen's 2014 costume as a gynaecologist named Dr. Luke referenced the music producer accused by Kesha of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and battery. Allen faced criticism for trivialising the allegations but later said in her 2018 memoir she intended a dig at Dr. Luke, not Kesha, while expressing support for Kesha.
