“I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface.”
Katy Perry has issued an apology over parts of her shoe collection that have been compared to blackface.
The two designs, released under the singer’s collection last summer, include a flat loafer and a heeled sandal in black and beige colours.
An abstract face is present on both of the designs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Btwi8-gnF2n/?utm_source=ig_embed
Following much social media criticism, Perry removed the shoes from her website and issued a statement regarding the design of the shoe.
Many people had compared the design to blackface and questioned why the product was allowed to be sold.
Perry said that she was “saddened” to hear that the shoe had reminded customers of the offensive theatrical makeup.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtrbmlLBr_J/
@katyperry are you actually serious right now?! blackface on a SHOE?? what is WRONG with you pic.twitter.com/x3J6ZKPvxc
— Daniel 🌆🌺 (@_iloveyoudaniel) February 10, 2019
A joint statement to PEOPLE on behalf of Perry and Global Brands Group reads:
“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 http://katyperrycollections.com.”
