Converse pulls sneaker ad after critics say it uses racist imagery

Sneaker manufacturer Converse has withdrawn an Instagram advertisement that drew criticism for allegedly featuring racist imagery. The image showcased K-pop star Karina wearing a long white skirt while holding a pair of Converse Chuck 70 X hi-top sneakers. Observers claimed that the triangular skirt looked like a Ku Klux Klan hood, and Karina's pose holding the sneakers reminded them of a lynching victim.

Converse, which is a subsidiary of Nike, issued an apology and promptly removed the ad from its digital platforms. In a statement to CBS News, the company expressed regret, stating, "We're sorry, we understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong." Lee Merritt, a Texas-based civil rights attorney, argued on Instagram that Converse's apology fails to rectify the harm caused, as the error likely originated from various levels of the company's legal, marketing, and leadership teams.

Converse was established in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1908 and introduced its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star basketball sneaker in 1917. Karina and her management firm, SM Entertainment Group, have not yet commented on the situation. This incident echoes recent controversies faced by other brands over ads deemed racist. In August, discount chain Target discontinued a children's Halloween costume that some deemed reminiscent of minstrel caricatures, following a wave of consumer backlash.

Target admitted the costume was inappropriate, saying, "The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment." The company emphasized that its decision to pull the product was a crucial first step and vowed to examine the incident thoroughly to prevent similar occurrences in the future.