Lili Reinhart apologizes for racially insensitive Halloween outfit idea

Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart has apologized after sharing a picture of a Halloween costume idea that was deemed by many to be racially insensitive.

The 21-year-old star was pondering outfits for the upcoming spooky holiday when she shared a snap of a "demon" in a black bodysuit and with black body paint covering her skin.

"Found my Halloween costume," she tweeted alongside the picture. "Inspired by the color of my soul."

Her tweet quickly sparked backlash among her followers, with one writing: "Maybe CW (TV network that broadcasts Riverdale) should start sending it’s under the age of 30 cast of Riverdale & other shows to sensitivity training & take history classes!"

Another tweeted: "Also, even if it wasn’t black face (it is), you’re still using the skin color to describe your soul, which is offensive."

Following the backlash, Lili returned to the social networking site and wrote: "I did not mean for my tweet to come off that way. I can see how it was interpreted as being insensitive, completely. I saw the pic on a Halloween Instagram and didn't think it would be interpreted as being racially insensitive.

"I apologize. Never meant any harm. I can see how it could've been misinterpreted."

It's certainly not the first time a celebrity has caused controversy with a Halloween costume idea. Julianne Hough was slammed online when she chose to use blackface to dress as African-American character "Crazy Eyes" from Netflix show Orange is the New Black in 2013, while singer Chris Brown hit headlines when he donned a terrorist outfit for a bash in 2012.

And in 2016, Hilary Duff and her then-boyfriend Jason Walsh were criticized for dressing in coordinating pilgrim and Native American costumes, while Scott Disick was slammed when he dressed as an Arab sheikh for Halloween 2014.