HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — Facebook has apologized after a dating ad featuring the photo of a Canada teen who died after months of bullying was posted on its site.

A spokesperson for the company issued a statement late Tuesday saying the ad was a "gross violation" of the company's policies and has been removed.

Facebook said the dating website, Ionechat.com, has been banned. The site could not be reached for comment.

Rehtaeh Parsons died after she was taken off life support following a suicide attempt in April. Her family says the 17-year-old was bullied for months after an alleged sexual assault.

Parsons' father, Glen Canning, says he was disgusted to see the photo.

The ad featured the heading, "Find Love in Canada! Meet Canadian girls and women for friendship, dating or relationships."