Los Angeles, February 12: Singer Katy Perry was slammed on social media for designing shoes which resembled 'blackface' imagery. The shoes in question were black 'Rue Face Slip On Loafers' and 'Ora Face Block Heel Sandals' that have cut-out faces, red lips, big blue eyes and a triangular nose on the top, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Gucci 'Blackface' Balaclava Sweater Withdrawn After Internet Backlash, Company Issues Apology.

Social media users have compared the shoes to "blackface make-up". One user even cited that "ignorance is never a fashion statement". Following the backlash, the shoes were pulled out from the stores. Perry and Global Brands Group issued the statement saying they did not have any intention to inflict any pain.

Social media strongly reacted to Perry's 'blackface' shoe

"The Rue and The Ora were part of a collection that was released last summer in 9 different colourways (black, blue, gold, graphite, lead, nude, pink, red, silver) and envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism. Virginia Blackface Racism Controversy Row: About One-Third of Americans Say Blackface Is OK for Halloween Costumes.

"I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface. Our intention was never to inflict any pain. We have immediately removed them from Katy Perry Collections," it read.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2019 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).