Snapchat Criticized For Blackface Bob Marley Filter On '4/20'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - Snapchat says a controversial filter used by the popular image messaging application to honor a day popular with marijuana aficionados is not racist.

Wednesday marked April 20 or "4/20", a day which many people who enjoy cannabis consider to be a national holiday, and Snapchat decided to offer a "Bob Marley" filter to celebrate the date.

The filter allowed the user to superimpose a Bob Marley cap and dreadlocks to a facial image, and also darkenened the user's skin tone.

People flooded social media with accusations that the filter was "racist" and that it promoted "blackface."

A Snapchat spokesperson released the following statement in regards to the filter:

"The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music. Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley's music, and we respect his life and achievements."