APRIL 18: Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius during his appearance at the High Court on 18 April, 2016 in Pretoria South Africa for a postponement of his sentencing hearing. The sentencing was postponed to the 13th of June. (Photo by Gallo Images / Alon Skuy)
UK store stirs controvesy with Oscar Pistorius Halloween costume
Jokers’ Masquerade, an online store, has banked on controversy to sell its Oscar Pistorius Halloween constume.
APRIL 18: Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius during his appearance at the High Court on 18 April, 2016 in Pretoria South Africa for a postponement of his sentencing hearing. The sentencing was postponed to the 13th of June. (Photo by Gallo Images / Alon Skuy)
An online novelty store has stirred up some controversy in the UK with an Oscar Pistorius Halloween costume, TimesLive reports.
The athlete shot to infamy in 2013 when he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day, claiming that he mistook her for an intruder.
A costume, which features a version of the Paralympian’s metal running blades, as well a replica of his kit, plus a pistol surfaced on top online store Amazon last year, but it had to be taken down after backlash from customers.
Jokers’ Masquerade braves backlash with ‘Blade Runner’ outfit
This hasn’t stopped UK store Jokers’ Masquerade from reviving the outfit, banking on controversy as a big selling point.
“Cause lots of controversy at your next party with our Adult Blade Runner Gunner Stag Costume. This eye-catching‚ head-turning costume idea is ideal for any event‚ whether it be Halloween or just a shindig at a friends,” a note on the website reads.
“The costume includes black and silver boot covers that come up to just under the knee‚ giving the impression that you have metal running blades instead of legs‚ just like that infamous Paralympic runner.”
Jokers’ Masquerade also warned those visiting their site to steer clear of their “Bad Taste Costumes” if they are “easily offended”.
“In a world where political correctness has gone mad‚ we decided to be a little rebellious by compiling this collection of wonderfully inappropriate costumes specifically for those who like to push the boundaries.”
Not everyone is impressed with Oscar Pistorius Halloween costume
As expected, the Oscar Pistorius Halloween costume has sparked the desired reaction, with various quarters condemning the sale of the outfit.
Support After Murder and Manslaughter CEO is quoted by British publication The Sun saying the costume is offensive to bereaved families.
“Unfortunately there’s too much of this happening and it sickens me. These stores are turning murder into entertainment — and that’s so painful for grieving families. To lose a loved one through murder is most certainly not entertaining.”
Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide in 2014, following the fatal shooting of Steenkamp, and sentenced to 15 years in prison. His application for leave to appeal his sentence was rejected by the Constitutional Court earlier this year.
