Converse pulls 'deeply upsetting' advert after backlash
Social media users say an image from the brand's Instagram account resembled a KKK hood and hanging.
American footwear company Converse has withdrawn an advertisement that sparked outrage on social media over its resemblance to Ku Klux Klan imagery, acknowledging that they made a mistake. The picture, shared on the company's Instagram, drew criticism for the lighting resembling a white hood and the shoes appearing similar to a lynching victim, according to online commentators.
Converse promptly issued an apology on Friday, stating that the image had been taken down from their social media platforms and they were working to remove it from other locations. The statement expressed regret, saying, "We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong." The advertisement was part of a campaign promoting their Chuck 70 X trainer, introduced globally on August 27.
The campaign showcases South Korean singer Karina, a member of the K-pop group Aespa, in various promotional photos for the shoes. Established in Massachusetts in the early 20th century, Converse's popularity surged after the introduction of their Chuck Taylor sneaker to US basketball courts in 1917. Currently, Converse is a subsidiary of Nike since 2003.
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