Katy Perry apologizes

Katy Perry has issued an apology after two of her shoe designs came under fire for resembling blackface.

The 34-year-old singer said Tuesday that she didn’t mean “to inflict any pain” with the Rue and Ora shoes in her Katy Perry Collections. Perry and her brand management company, Global Brands Group, issued the statement after many criticized the designs online. The pair said the shoes, which came in black, beige and other colors, were inspired by modern art.

“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,” Perry and Global said.

“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 katyperrycollections.com,” they added.

Retailers pulled the Rue Face Slip-On Loafers and the Ora Face Block Heel Sandal from shelves Monday following the controversy.

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“Ok Katy Perry explain these shoes SMH #blackface #KatyPerry #gucci #gucciblackface #boycott,” one person had tweeted Monday.

The controversy comes less than a week after Gucci found itself in hot water for selling sweaters that looked like blackface and has been met with swift condemnation online.

However, Not everyone agrees that the shoes are racist. “Ok listen, this is a major REACH!!!! Your shoes are not blackface! Actually reminds me of the “Wink” slides. If you have extra i will happily take a pair in both colors @katyperry,” one Twitter user said.

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ChantillyCoco@ChantillyCoco

Ok Katy Perry explain these shoes SMH #blackface #KatyPerry #gucci #gucciblackface #boycott

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10:19 AM – Feb 11, 2019