Converse apologizes, pulls ad after backlash over racist imagery
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Converse apologized and removed an ad featuring K-pop star Karina after critics said the imagery evoked Ku Klux Klan symbolism and lynchings.
- The backlash intensified after social media users resurfaced another Converse advertisement showing sneakers hanging from a tree branch.
Converse has apologized and withdrawn a marketing campaign featuring K-pop star Karina after facing widespread backlash over imagery critics said evoked racist symbolism associated with the Ku Klux Klan and historic lynchings in the United States.
“We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” the Nike-owned footwear brand said in a statement. “We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened, and we will do better.”
The controversy centered on a promotional image showing black sneakers hanging beneath a white, star-shaped spotlight.
Critics on social media said the composition resembled imagery associated with the Ku Klux Klan and the history of lynching in the United States.
Read more: UFC fighter Sean Sharaf wears keffiyeh after knockout
Converse removed the campaign following the backlash, but criticism continued after users resurfaced another advertisement from the brand showing sneakers hanging from a tree branch.
The second image prompted further questions online about how the campaigns passed through the company's internal review and approval processes.
US Congressman Troy A. Carter also criticized Converse over the campaign.
“Black pain is not a marketing prop,” Carter said, calling for greater accountability from Converse and Nike beyond a public apology.
The controversy has placed renewed attention on the responsibility of major brands to consider historical and cultural associations when developing advertising campaigns.
