Katy Perry's shoe line is slammed following accusations of 'blackface'

Katy Perry's shoe line is slammed following accusations of 'blackface'

Katy Perry Collections - the pop star's eponymous fashion line - has been compelled to remove several pairs of shoes after they were accused of using blackface on social media.

The two designs - the Rue Face Slip On Loafers and Ora Face Block Heel - which come in beige or black, and feature protruding eyes, a nose and prominent red lips, are no longer on sale at retailers that include Walmart. "In order to be respectful and sensitive the team is in the process of pulling the shoes," a spokesperson for the multinational confirmed when speaking to TMZ.

The backlash on social media was swift. "Ok Katy Perry explain these shoes SMH," wrote one social media user, while another corroborated "Another one to add to your #blackface file. #katyperry Again, how does even go from a design sketch to production without anyone saying anything? #unbelievable."

"@katyperry are you actually serious right now?! blackface on a SHOE?? what is WRONG with you," a third individual added.

This comes just a week after luxury Italian brand, Gucci, was blasted for reportedly using the red-lipped Sambo caricature which has long been branded as racist.

In a Twitter post uploaded on the 6th February, the fashion house stated that it "deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper", which is black turtleneck which pulls up over the bottom half of the face, and features red lips around the mouth.

"We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores," Gucci continued in the statement. "We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond."

Once again, Twitter was incensed.

"Today Gucci released their Balaclava Knit Top. Sigh. Really Gucci? Really?" wrote one Twitter user, while another echoed, "One day I am going to deliver a prolific dissertation on how it feels to live in a continuous cycle of disrespect as a black man. Gigantic brands like @gucci create offensive "fashion", quickly apologize, and then state, 'We did not know." I don't care. This is unacceptable."

Others pointed out that the jumper had been released during Black History Month.