After receiving intense backlash online, "Pretty Little Liars" star Ashley Benson has apologized for sharing the photo of herself in Cecil the lion Halloween costume for which recently she had to face the heat of online commentators and animal rights groups.
The 25-year-old actress took to Instagarm to say sorry to her followers, along with an explanation that it was her management team that wrote the seemingly offensive caption.
"Yesterday's post was in poor taste and I absolutely regret all of the hurt that photo caused," wrote the star on her social media account before adding that she is too a supporter of animal conservation and will be donating proceeds of the deal to World Wildlife Fund.
Benson came under recently when she posted a lighthearted Instagram of herself wearing a Cecil the Lion costume. She originally captioned the pic as "Help! Can't decide on my Halloween costume this year! What do you guys think of this Cecil the lion costume?"
Some internet users found the post offending and distasteful who accused the actress of making light of the now-deceased 13-year-old lion, who was killed earlier this year by an American dentist who reportedly paid $50,000 to hunt the famed animal.
While Benson was quick to edit the caption later referring the one-piece as simply a "lion costume," she continued to receive backlash from other users, Refinery 29 reported. The controversial costume is still available at Yandy for $118.95.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old actress is set to reprise her role as Hanna Marin on "Pretty Little Liars" season 6B which will return in winter, The Hollywood Reportere reported.