Lily Allen in racist storm

Singer Lily Allen has courted criticism for using "black women as props" in her new music video.

The pop star wanted her comeback song "Hard out here" to tackle sexism by mocking twerkers such as Miley Cyrus. But she has been accused of racism after critics complained black dancers in the video were "portrayed as s***s", reports dailystar.co.uk.

In the video, Allen appears with four black dancers and two white dancers. The difference in their portrayal is loud and clear.

Campaigners are angry that the black girls were given only underwear and leotards to wear.

"It's about black women's bodies served up for a very white, male gaze," said a campaigner Reni Eddo-Lodge.

Fellow blogger Batty Manzele added: "Black women are used as props, shaking their a**es."

Allen has hit back at the claims via microblogging site Twitter.

"It has nothing to do with race. I'm not going to apologise. That would imply I'm guilty of something," she posted.