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'It was insensitive and thoughtless': Katelyn Ohashi issues apology after being slammed over Amber Heard-Johnny Depp-themed Halloween costume

In her now-deleted Halloween post, Katelyn Ohashi, who dressed up as Amber Heard, was seen throttling a man in a Johnny Depp costume

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi extended an apology after she faced backlash for her Johnny Depp and Amber Heard-themed Halloween costume.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, "I am truly sorry for the decision I made with my halloween costume/post. It was insensitive and thoughtless. As someone who has experienced and spoken out against abuse, I understand how wrong it was and expect more of myself. I hope you can accept my apology. I will be better." 

The initial photos that she posted on Halloween went viral and ignited public outrage for trivializing domestic violence and abuse, as they referred to the highly publicized legal battle between Depp and Heard.

One of the biggest celebrity legal battles in recent times, the Depp vs Heard trial, unfolded between April and June 2022, as per NBC News. 

The legal showdown started when Depp filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Heard in response to an op-ed she published in The Washington Post, in which she identified herself as a survivor of domestic abuse.

What was Katelyn Ohashi's controversial Halloween costume?

As seen in her Halloween post, Katelyn Ohashi was dressed up as Mera, Amber Heard's character from the 2018 movie 'Aquaman', while her male companion portrayed Johnny Depp's character of Jack Sparrow from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. 

In the first photo, the man dressed as Depp stood behind Ohashi and the caption said, "Rumor has it that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were seen together." Whereas, in the second picture, the former gymnast wrapped her hands around the man's neck and the caption read, "nvm" (never mind).

Due to the onslaught of backlash, Ohashi later deleted the photos from her social media accounts. Earlier, the 'Schitt's Creek' star Emily Hampshire was also slammed for dressing up as Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, imitating a moment from their trial period.

Internet slams Katelyn Ohashi over 'disheartening' costume choice for Halloween

Netizens were disheartened to see such an irresponsible post from Katelyn Ohashi, who has previously spoken about abuse and the toxic culture in gymnastics.

One wrote, "katelyn ohashi you are disgusting." 

Another stated, "she used to be an elite gymnast but she was pretty famous in the gym world during her college years at ucla (went viral a few times). it's just disheartening when there's so much abuse in the sport & she has said she's even a survivor of abuse herself like."

"It's disgusting. I expected more from her given her past," expressed a person.

Someone else noted, "Shameful a woman who was allegedly abused, dresses up as an abuser. Gross."

"it’s Halloween 2023 & we’re still doing this? DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS ARE NOT A COSTUME FFS," exclaimed one.