Converse apologizes, scraps sneaker ad that critics say used racist imagery
Critics said a white triangular image created by lighting resembled a KKK hood, while the way a pair of sneakers dangled made them look like the feet of a lynching victim.
Converse, a sneaker brand owned by Nike, has apologized and taken down a social media ad featuring a K-pop singer, Karina, wearing its Chuck 70 X sneakers. Critics accused the image of depicting racist imagery, likening the white triangular light pattern on the garment to a Ku Klux Klan hood and the dangling sneakers to the feet of a lynching victim.
The ad received widespread criticism, leading to calls for Converse staff to be fired and a boycott of the company. Converse removed the ad and issued a statement expressing regret for the "deeply upsetting" image, stating they will work to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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