Katy Perry issued an apology after two of her shoe designs came under fire for resembling blackface.
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, according to E! News.
"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.
"Ok Katy Perry explain these shoes SMH #blackface #KatyPerry #gucci #gucciblackface #boycott," one person had tweeted Monday.
The $900 black sweater featured a long collar that covered the lower part of the face and a red mouth slit.
"We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make," the company said.
