Racism or just an ugly shoe? Katy Perry’s new ‘blackface’ footwear sparks outrage

Retailers have been removing Katy Perry’s new sandals and loafers, designed to resemble a human face, after their ‘black’ version got slammed for being racially insensitive. The news has received a mixed response on Twitter.

The ‘Rue Face Slip On Loafers’ that come in black and beige and their high-heel option, black and gold ‘Ora Face Block Heel Sandal,’ have been removed from Walmart’s and Dillards’ websites, TMZ reported.

The shoes, touted by the US pop star since last August, have long been a source of controversy.

However, they were available at stores for $129-a-pair until very recently. Spurred by a mounting backlash, the decision was made to yank the shoes from the shelves “in order to be respectful and sensitive,” TMZ reported on Sunday, citing sources close to Perry.

The report has split Twitter into two camps. While some have dismissed the outrage caused by ‘offensive’ footwear as overblown and fake, others chastised Perry for being tone deaf with her design choices.

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Talk about rubbing it in?