Katy Perry's Shoe Line Is Getting Backlash for Designs Resembling Blackface

Katy Perry and her eponymous shoe line, Katy Perry Collections, are taking heat for two designs that appear to resemble blackface. TMZ reports that the two styles, the “Rue Face Slip On Loafers” and “Ora Face Block Heel Sandals,” are being pulled from stores due to the backlash.

@katyperry are you actually serious right now?! blackface on a SHOE?? what is WRONG with you pic.twitter.com/x3J6ZKPvxc

“In order to be respectful and sensitive, the team is in the process of pulling the shoes,” a source told the publication.

The loafers come in two colorways, neutral and black, and the high-heeled version in gold and black. Both designs feature blue eyes, a triangular nose, and bright red lips.

The controversy comes less than a week after Gucci pulled and apologized for a sweater featuring similar bright red lips.

How does this keep happening with supposedly ‘luxury’ brands? No-one at Gucci clocked the similarity between the racist imagery of their $890 blackface jumper and Prada’s keychain – the latter of which was pulled from stores less than two months ago? Or do they just not care? pic.twitter.com/pNxTbuJeXV

Ignorance is Never A fashion statement! Apology NOT accepted😡#blackface #Gucci #gucciblackface #prada #moncler #katyPerry pic.twitter.com/KDCnkzGlgA

Katy Perry herself has been accused of cultural appropriation in the past: She wore her hair in cornrows for the music video “This Is How We Do” and dressed like a geisha during a 2013 American Music Awards performance.

Cosmopolitan reached out to Katy Perry Collections and will update this post if they respond.

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