James Holmes Mask Banned and the Top 5 Most Offensive Halloween Costumes

Every year there always seems to be one controversial Halloween costume that makes headlines.

This year, a costume of James Holmes, who went on a murder spree in a movie theater in Colorado, is making headlines.

Last Friday, a seller, identified as "realface13, posted an ad on eBay selling mask in Holmes's likeness.

ABC News reports the ad as reading:

"SHOCK EVERYONE YOU KNOW!" the eBay ad read. "There is nothing more scary than crawling into James Holmes mind and wearing his face. His 'soul penetrating eyes' and 'The Joker' orange hair makes this mask the most disturbing object you will ever own. Imagine owning the mask of supposedly the most dangerous mass murderer in US history."

By midday, the ad had been deleted, according to ABC News.

"The listing was removed because it did not comply with our Offensive Materials policy. Out of respect for victims of violent crimes, eBay does not allow listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering," eBay told ABC News in an email.

The article said the poster won the costume in a poker tournament in Europe, and that it was custom-made for a private collector.

While these costumes may not compare to the Holmes mask in terms of offensiveness, here's a list of some of this year's wackiest costumes.

1. Bill Maher's Steve Irwin costume

In 2006, Bill Maher stepped out dressed like deceased crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, sporting the traditional khaki suit Irwin was known for. The costume also had a stingray's tail lodged into Maher's chest surrounded by fake blood.

"Stop hassling me about my Halloween costume. Yes, you've seen it on the Internet. I went as the Crocodile Hunter with a bloody stinger in my chest. People who really love animals understand if you get killed by one, chances are you were doing something to it you shouldn't have been.', he later said on his show "Real Time With Bill Maher." "Thus enforcing his prior statement that Steve is the only one to be blamed for having been killed."

2. Prince Harry wears Nazi symbol

Britain's party animal royal Prince Harry was photographed in 2005 at a friend's costume party dressed like a Nazi. The photos were published in the British tabloid "The Sun." Harry later apologized for his actions, saying: "I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone. It was a poor choice of costume and I apologize."

3. Middle Eastern Suicide bomber

Photos circulated the net a few years ago of a group of children dressed as Middle Eastern terrorists. The costumes came with a head covering, two bombs strapped to their chest and a detonator.

4. KKK Costumes/Black Face

It's obvious why a costume like this would be offensive. Ten years ago, fraternity members at a school in Alabama took photos of themselves in black face and KKK costumes. This caused a very harsh public backlash, embarrassing all who partook in the incident.

This caused the university to "step up its efforts to educate students" on racial tolerance and diversity.

5. Casey Anthony

Casey Anthony became a household name during the trail for the murder of her young child. Last year, similar to James Holmes, a Halloween mask of her face made national headlines because it was deemed too offensive and inappropriate.