Katy Perry's fashion line just took a hit today, since shoes from her line will reportedly be pulled from stores due to their resemblance to blackface.
The "Rue Face Slip On Loafers" and their high-heeled version, "Ora Face Block Heel Sandal" from the Katy Perry Collections label, have reportedly been pulled from shelves. The shoes are black with a design that mirrors a face with bright red lips, which many have said reflect blackface. The shoes sale for $129, and come in black, gold or beige, according to USA Today. The shoes have been sold at retailers like Dillards, Forever 21 and Lord & Taylor.
"Sources connected to Katy tell us these specific shoes are just part of an entire line of shoes she's designed and released … and they were never intended to be offensive," TMZ first reported. "However, we're told, 'In order to be respectful and sensitive the team is in the process of pulling the shoes.'"
The fashion world has had two blackface stumbles in the last few months, with Prada pulling a line with imagery resembling blackface in December. Just four days ago, Gucci apologized for selling a wool sweater with a red cutout for the mouth.
» 'SNL' takes on Virginia blackface controversy: 'It was never funny or cool'
Reactions on Twitter to the news were mixed, with some disapproving of the shoes.
Others did not agree with the decision to pull the slip-ons from stores.
Blackface, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, was part of entertainment intended to denigrate African-Americans.
“Minstrelsy, comedic performances of ‘blackness’ by whites in exaggerated costumes and make-up, cannot be separated fully from the racial derision and stereotyping at its core,” according from a post on the museum’s website.
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