Katy Perry 'Saddened' After Shoe Range Designs Accused Of Depicting Blackface

The 'Rue Face Slip On Loafers' and the 'Ora Face Block Heel Sandals' were available in both neutral and black and featured blue eyes, a triangular nose and bright red lips. However, the shoes have now been pulled from sale.

One person said: "@katyperry are you actually serious right now?! blackface on a SHOE?? what is WRONG with you?"

Another said: "Ok, can we just make this a rule that ANY product, service or person that is NOT Black will NOT create, promote or apply any combination of BLACK + FACE? Can we just make this a thing?"

She said: "The Rue and The Ora were part of a collection that was released last summer in nine different colourways (black, blue, gold, graphite, lead, nude, pink, red, silver) and envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism.

"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."

However, many people on social media thought it was unfair to compare the shoes to blackface - with some arguing the shoes are offensively ugly more than anything.

One person said: "If you see racism or blackface on these shoes let me tell you that you need mental help. And I'm completely sure that people would complain if the shoes didn't have a black version!! Stop complaining about everything, damn it!! Grow up!!"

Last week, Gucci pulled a jumper from sale after it was accused of resembling blackface.

The black 'balaclava jumper' covered the lower half of the face and featured a mouth hole lined with a red trim, resembling lips.

The high-end fashion label said they would turn the incident 'into a powerful learning moment'.