{
  "id": 8951098,
  "title": "Converse apologizes, scraps sneaker ad that critics say used racist imagery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/converse-apologizes-scraps-sneaker-ad-that-critics-say-used-racist",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T15:51:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12066855/converse-pulled-ad-over-racism-claims-issues-apology/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Converse apologizes for racist imagery in ad featuring K-pop singer Karina.",
    "Critics accused ad of depicting Ku Klux Klan hood and lynching victim imagery.",
    "Company removed ad and pledged to prevent similar occurrences in future."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Karina's Converse Sneaker Ad Removed After Backlash Over Alleged Racist Imagery, Brand Issues Apology",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/karinas-converse-sneaker-ad-removed-after-backlash-over-alleged",
        "published": "2026-09-21T13:36:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Converse pulls sneaker ad after critics say it uses racist imagery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/converse-pulls-sneaker-ad-after-critics-say-it-uses-racist-imagery",
        "published": "2026-09-21T15:06:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}