Bratz has issued an apology after receiving complaints that its Black doll Sasha, was initially excluded from a collaboration with Hello Kitty last month. The company said it would include the doll in response to feedback from fans.

Both Bratz and Sanrio, the Japanese company that owns Hello Kitty, released a collector collection on Sept. 30. They announced that dolls Chloe, Yasmin and Jade would be featured in celebration of Hello Kitty’s upcoming birthday on Nov. 1.

“At its core, this collaboration is about celebrating individuality and the joy of expressing yourself in your own unique way,” Jill Koch, the SVP of Brand and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc., said in a press release. “Hello Kitty has always inspired friendship, kindness, and creativity, while Bratz encourages bold style and confidence. Together, they bring a playful energy that invites fans of all ages to embrace their true selves and share the fun of fashion and friendship.”

Yet, fans were quick to notice that the collaboration excluded Sasha, the only black doll part of the Bratz core four.

Bratz apologized and announced that Sasha would be included in the collection

After receiving backlash from fans on social media, the toy company announced it would include the doll in its collaboration with Hello Kitty.

“We’ve heard your feedback about Sasha not being part of the Bratz x Hello Kitty collab. Sasha is forever a core Bratz girl,” Bratz wrote in a statement. “The lineup for this release was determined on the Bratz side. Our friends at Sanrio have been incredible partners throughout, and together we’re thrilled to share that Sasha is joining the collaboration — more info to come soon.”

The company added, “Your passion made it clear how much she means to you all, and we are excited to give her the spotlight she deserves. Sasha has headlined some of our biggest collaborations, and she will continue to shine in upcoming projects. Thank you for keeping the Bratz spirit alive.”

How fans responded

Bratz fans thanked the company for listening, while others lamented the fact that Sasha was excluded in the first place.

“Thank you for listening to your community ❤️” someone commented under Bratz’s Instagram statement.

“This doesn’t suffice for me. I’d like to know the reason she was excluded to begin with?” another fan wrote.

“Usually I love bratz, but admitting Sasha is an afterthought to y’all gives me the ick ngl,” someone added.

“idk what yall expected when you made that decision 😭” another person commented.