Katy Perry pulls shoes from line following blackface backlash

In a matter of days there has been yet another fashion label unintentionally evoking 'blackface' in their products. Last week Gucci officially apologisesd due to concerns following the release of their balaclava sweater and its resemblance to blackface. Now Katy Perry's shoe line has sparked outrage for the same reason.

The 'Rue Face Slip On Loafers' and 'Ora Face Block Heel Sandals' designs will be removed from stores "in order to be respectful and sensitive", according to a source close to Perry's team.

One Twitter user said "Ignorance is never a fashion statement! Apology not excepted!", adding images from the big brand designers Prada, Moncler, Gucci and Katy Perry that have all been excused of resembling blackface in their products.

Ignorance is Never A fashion statement! Apology NOT accepted😡#blackface #Gucci #gucciblackface #prada #moncler #katyPerry pic.twitter.com/KDCnkzGlgA

— Kieren Boyce (@ThatGyrlKieren) February 10, 2019

@katyperry are you actually serious right now?! blackface on a SHOE?? what is WRONG with you pic.twitter.com/x3J6ZKPvxc

— Daniel 🌺🌆✨ (@daniellovesyooh) February 10, 2019

However this may not be blackface at all as Perry also released the design in question in gold and cream.

Welcome to my presentation. In this I will discuss how Katy Perry is twenty years too late with her new shoes.

Example one: pic.twitter.com/n2gozwRn71

— Grundy 🏳️‍🌈 (@GrundyOxford) January 21, 2019

Perry has been accused of creating the designs as a publicity stunt. One user expressed concerns saying, "This is a publicity stunt for Katy Perry's shoe line. Nobody would ever buy these butt ugly things. They were created solely to create a fake controversy and get free brand awareness."

This is a publicity stunt for Katy Perry's shoe line. Nobody would ever buy these butt ugly things. They were created solely to create a fake controversy and get free brand awareness.

— wooga (@thewooga) February 12, 2019