Following initial reports by TMZ that some shoes in Katy Perry‘s signature line were being pulled due to their resemblance to “blackface” imagery, the singer and her product line are confirming the footwear’s removal and apologizing.
As previously reported, the “Ora Face Block Heel Sandal” and the “Rue Face Slip On Loafer” both feature two eyes, a nose and red lips — but the black version of the footwear strongly evokes blackface imagery.
In a joint statement to People, Katy and Global Brands Group say, “The Rue and The Ora were part of a collection that was released last summer in 9 different colorways (black, blue, gold, graphite, lead, nude, pink, red, silver) and envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism.”
The statement continues, “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 katyperrycollections.com.”
In addition, the shoes are no longer available to shop at other online outlets, including Dillards.com and LordandTaylor.com.
The news comes after luxury brands Gucci and Prada also pulled accessories that were reminiscent of blackface imagery.
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