Luxury fashion brand Gucci has been compelled to issue a public apology following its release of an $890 knit sweater which many social media users said resembles blackface.

Gucci said in a tweet on Wednesday that it “deeply apologizes for the offence caused by the wool balaclava jumper.”

The designer faced immediate backlash over the controversial sweater with a neck that can be pulled up to cover the mouth and nose.

In a statement, the Italian brand said: “We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores.

“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.”

Many users on social media slammed the company for the design, saying it reinforces a racist attack on black people.

Yet our musicians no fit sing without wearing or mentioning gucci...dis na d thank wey dem suppose tell us.

I am still trying to pick d racist idea in this...