Converse Apologizes and Pulls Sneaker ad that Critics Said Included Racist Imagery
The Nike-owned brand said it understood why the image was deeply upsetting and removed it from its channels after criticism over racial imagery.
- On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Converse apologized and removed a sneaker advertisement following widespread online backlash over imagery that critics compared to KKK hoods and lynchings.
- The campaign featured K-pop star Karina of Aespa, where lighting and positioning created a white triangular shape that viewers felt resembled a KKK hood.
- Viewers also perceived dangling shoes in the photo as resembling lynching victims, while a separate Converse marketing image featured sneakers hanging from a tree branch.
- The Nike-owned brand acknowledged the imagery was 'deeply upsetting' and committed to removing the content from all platforms immediately.
- Online reactions on Instagram remained divided, with some critics calling for better representation in marketing rooms while others dismissed the concerns as an overreaction.
102 Articles
102 Articles
Converse removed from its social networks an image of an advertising campaign after users criticized the composition for considering that elements of light and shadow refer to Ku Klux Klan. The brand erased the Instagram publication, reported that it worked to remove the photograph from other locations and apologized for the repercussion, classifying the image as "deeply disturbing" and recognizing that it had been wrong.
Shoe company Converse apologises, pulls ad that drew comparisons to Ku Klux Klan imagery
Converse removed an advertisement after facing criticism for its imagery. Critics viewed the ad as evoking the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The company issued an apology, acknowledging the upsetting nature of the image. They stated the ad was removed from all their channels. Converse committed to improving its advertising vetting processes moving forward.
Converse forced to pull shoe advert amid woke outrage over Ku Klux Klan illusion
Converse has been forced to pull an advert for its shoes amid claims it looked like the Ku Klux Klan.The ad featured K-pop singer Karina holding a pair of trainers below a star-shaped spotlight while wearing a long white dress.Converse's logo is a star.But in a bizarre optical illusion, critics said the image, which cuts the K-pop singer off at the waist, looked like a KKK member next to the shoes of someone who had been lynched. TRENDING Storie…
Converse Pulls Sneaker Ad That Critics Said Had Racist Ku Klux Klan Imagery
Critics lashed out online, saying that a white triangular image created by lighting on the skirt resembled a KKK hood and that the way she held the sneakers made them look like the dangling feet of a lynching victim.
The American shoe brand Converse has apologized for an online advertising campaign. It used a photo that, according to online critics, was reminiscent of images of the racist American group Ku Klux Klan. The campaign featured South Korean pop singer Karina holding a pair of shoes. A star, the Converse logo, is visible on the ground in the light. Part of the star is also visible on Karina's dress. That part—a triangular light—resembles the whit…
Congressman Carter Condemns Nike, Converse Sneaker Ad Depicting a Lynching
Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after Converse and Nike released a social media campaign promoting the Chuck 70X sneaker – including pictures with serious racial implications. “Nike and Converse, what the hell were you thinking? “Your campaign shows what looks like a hooded Klansman, framed by what appears […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
