def METHOD_NAME(obj, labels):
    """Remove labels from the object
    :param obj: the object where the labels should be removed
    :param labels: string or list of labels to remove
    :returns: The new labels
    """
    obj = api.get_object(obj)
    # prepare the set of new labels
    new_labels = set(get_obj_labels(obj))
    for label in to_labels(labels):
        new_labels.discard(label)
    # set the new labels
    set_obj_labels(obj, new_labels)
    return get_obj_labels(obj)