Katy Perry apologises after her shoeline gets slammed for 'racist imagery'

Singer Katy Perry finds herself in the middle of a social media controversy as her fashion line was criticised in lieu of shoes that apparently resembled blackface makeup.

Featured in Katy Perry Collections, 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. 

Social media users compared these shoes to those resembling “blackface makeup”. 

Singer Masika Kalysha, also participated in this and reportedly posted a photo of the designs on Instagram, asking, “We just gonna let Katy Perry slide?” 

Another user posted:

Katy Perry and Global Brands Group issued a statement following the uproar. It started with saying how much this had “saddened”’ Perry and continued: "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.”

"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 shoes have now been pulled out from the stores.