Fashion chain Forever 21 has apologised after advertising a Black Panther-inspired sweater using a white model.

In an ad shared on its social media, the white model wears a sweater that features the Black Panther logo with the words "Wakanda Forever".

Just in case @Forever21 tries to delete this later.... pic.twitter.com/8czypjMutr — LaBlaq, the final Fantastic. (@LoveAndShalom) December 18, 2018

Wakanda is a fictional sub-Saharan African country from the high-grossing Marvel film.

The ad generated backlash on social media this week and was later deleted from the chain's Twitter account.

Hey @Forever21, In What Universe Did You Think It Was Ok To Feature A White Model In Wakanda Gear? Granted, Chances Are You Knew It Wasn't Ok, But Still. As A Former #21Men Brand Specialist For The Company, I'm Highly Offended. — Mark-Paul (@WhoIsMarkPaul) December 18, 2018

How tone deaf do you have to be to choose this model for that sweater? Do better white people! — Maureen (@Iammo_25) December 18, 2018

While some on social media poked fun at the ad, saying that "not even Wakanda can escape gentrification".

Soooooo...it doesn’t bother me that a white person is wearing that Wakanda Forever sweater. I think it’s dope that after years of black kids wearing superman and a host of white heroes, a black hero is right there in the mix. — Melanie Dione (@themelaniedione) December 19, 2018

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Forever 21 said it "takes feedback on our products and marketing extremely seriously".

READ MORE A black wrestler had to cut his dreadlocks after a white referee’s ruling

"We celebrate all superheroes with many different models of various ethnicities and apologise if the photo in question was offensive in any way."

Black Panther was the first Marvel film to feature a predominantly black cast.