Eva Hoeke, editor of Jackie, and the magazine’s publisher said in a joint statement on Facebook that Hoeke’s use of a racial slur – “although without malicious intentions” – was cause for her departure after eight years on the job.

Hoeke said she was unaware the word was so loaded because “you hear it all the time on radio and TV.” It was used in an article on how to dress your daughter like a pop star.

By Wednesday, the Facebook apology had attracted hundreds of comments, many condemning Hoeke but some saying the reaction was overblown.