Getty Images delete World Cup's 'sexiest fans' gallery after backlash

Getty Images deleted a hottest 2018 World Cup fans gallery on social media on Tuesday following backlash from fans and feminist organizations.

Getty replaced the photos with this message on their website: 'Earlier, we published a piece, "World Cup 2018: The Sexiest Fans", that did not meet our editorial standards.

'We regret the error and have removed the piece. There are many interesting stories to tell about the World Cup and we acknowledge this was not one of them.'

According to The Guardian, a spokesperson for the company confirmed Getty had not reached out to the women photographed for permission to share their pictures in such a manner. They told the outlet an internal investigation would be conducted.

'Getty Images holds a deep belief in the power of visuals to incite change and shift attitudes and we have done, and will continue to do, much work to promote and create a more evolved and positive depiction of women,' the spokesperson added.

The collection of images, initially posted with the sub-heading, 'Talk about a knock-out round...', featured photos of female football fans exclusively. The exclusion of male fans prompted many to decry the post as sexist.

SOURCE