Converse pulls shoe ad after lynching comparisons

Sneaker manufacturer Converse has taken down a social media advertisement that sparked controversy due to perceived similarities to the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The Instagram photo featured K-pop star Karina donning a skirt and clutching a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Critics took to the internet to condemn the ad, alleging that a white triangular pattern on Karina's skirt mirrored a KKK hood, while her grip on the sneakers made them resemble the dangling feet of a lynching victim.

Converse, which is owned by Nike, issued an apology and announced the removal of the ad. In a statement released on Friday, Converse expressed regret, stating, "We are sorry, first released on Friday. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong. 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 company, based in Boston, did not provide further details on Sunday regarding its ad screening process or how the ad was approved. Karina and her management company, SM Entertainment Group, have yet to comment on the matter. This incident joins a long list of apologies from retailers and top fashion brands over racially insensitive products.

In recent months, Target pulled a children's Halloween costume from its shelves after facing widespread backlash, apologizing for selling a garment that critics deemed reminiscent of racist minstrel caricatures. The Converse photo quickly drew criticism, prompting calls for personnel involved in the ad to lose their jobs and a boycott of the company.

Social media users questioned how the ad had cleared the company's advertising vetting process. Some defended Converse, arguing they did not believe the ad was intentional. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt posted on Instagram that Converse's apology fails to rectify the issue, emphasizing that corporations need to catch potential problems before they air.

Converse was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1908 and is best known for its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, which was first released in 1917 as a non-skid basketball shoe and featured the signature of basketball player Chuck Taylor in 1934.