Dove apologise for 'racist' advert they say 'missed the mark'

Dove has apologised after the brand was accused of racism over an online advertising campaign.

The company admitted it had "missed the mark" with an image posted on Facebook.

The advert showed a black woman removing her top to reveal a white woman underneath.

The campaign has since been removed from Facebook and Dove tweeted: "An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of colour thoughtfully.

"We deeply regret the offence it caused."

The company later released a statement reading: "As a part of a campaign for Dove body wash, a three-second video clip was posted to the US Facebook page.

"This did not represent the diversity of real beauty which is something Dove is passionate about and is core to our beliefs, and it should not have happened.

"We have removed the post and have not published any other related content. We apologise deeply and sincerely for the offence that it has caused."

Dove was responding to criticism after the image was shared widely on social media.

It sparked a huge backlash on social media with many people accusing the company of racism.

Many pointed out that it was not the first time the company's adverts had been accused of racism.

Twitter user La'Quell, using the handle @Caramelxotic posted: "@Dove care to explain this racist Ad to me."

Emma Louise Sinclair, under the username @EmmsyLou13, tweeted: "This is a @Dove ad .... what the actual f, never using a product from a bunch of Racist people again #Dove #racist."