Janet Jackson queries racial gift

Janet Jackson has been given a doll with racial connotations.

The singer has taken to her Twitter account to post a photo of the gift she is understood to have received during her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal series of shows. The present was a golliwog doll and Janet has asked her fans to comment on it.

"During the tour, I was given this doll named Maria. She was advertised as lifelike. How does Maria make you feel?," Janet wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of the doll.

The doll sparked angry reactions from her followers. "@JanetJackson I think the doll is in very poor taste. You'd think in 2012 people would have much more class and not be so ignorant," said one fan.

The Golliwog or golly doll is a rag doll with frizzy black hair and skin based on a character in children's books in the late 19th century.

The term golliwog has since been used as racial slur to black people.

Janet recently turned down the chance to appear as a judge on the US X Factor so she can concentrate on her tour and acting commitments. She was reportedly in talks for a slot on Simon Cowell's show which panellists Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have now left.

Janet said in a statement to E! News she was "very flattered that X Factor let me know that I was being considered for next season, but it just wouldn't be possible".

Britney Spears and George Clooney's girlfriend Stacy Keibler are also reportedly in talks to fill the empty judging spots.

Simon apparently plans to revamp the show by letting talent perform their own material in an effort to boost ratings.