‘Take It Down!’: Snapchat Forced To Remove ‘Offensive’ Filter As It’s Slammed For Racism

We could spend hours pulling funny faces and playing around with Snapchat’s selfie filters, but it appears that the app’s creators have landed themselves in hot water after their latest filter was slammed for being racist.

The lens – which many have branded ‘the yellowface filter’ – was called out for appearing to stereotype Eastern Asians, by altering the user’s appearance; slanting their eyes, changing the colour of their complexion and increasing the size of their teeth.

Many took to Twitter to blast the controversial filter and demand that it be taken down.

“@Snapchat What the HELL is up with this yellow face filter?” writes one user. “Racist filters are not cute. Wtf are you doing? Deleting.”

@Snapchat what the HELL is up with this yellow face filter? Racist filters are not cute. Wtf are you doing? Deleting pic.twitter.com/MABZ5iDZkn

— Tasting with Tansu (@TansuPhilip) August 9, 2016

.@Snapchat wanna tell me why u thought this yellowface was ok?? pic.twitter.com/sgpW4AFPsE

— grace (@tequilafunrise) August 9, 2016

@Snapchat@snapchatsupport idk if u realize, but this filter is yellowface and u should take it down pic.twitter.com/MLSHz0Bbkl

— lia (@limb_light) August 9, 2016

Fortunately, Snapchat were quick to respond to to the criticism and remove the new filter, explaining that the lens was inspired by anime, and they had not intended to cause offense.

“This anime-inspired lens has already expired, and won’t be put back into circulation,” Snapchat announced in a statement. “Lenses are meant to be playful and never to offend.”

This is the second time the app has been slammed for racism, after its Bob Marley filter came under fire back in April.

Yeah, maybe just stick with the cute dog and bee filters from now on, Snapchat.

• Snapchat