Converse pulls advertisement following allegations of racist imagery

Converse has removed an advertisement for its Chuck 70 X sneaker line following online backlash regarding alleged racist imagery. The ad, which featured K-Pop star Karina from the group Aespa, depicted a person in a white garment holding black shoes. Critics argued that the lighting and shadows created a silhouette resembling a Ku Klux Klan robe and suggested the imagery evoked a person being lynched.

In an official statement, Converse apologized, saying, “We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong.” The company confirmed it has removed the advertisement from its social media channels and is working to erase it from all other platforms.

The controversy has sparked debate over whether the imagery was an intentional “dog whistle”—a coded message intended for a specific group—or an unintentional mistake. Some observers noted that other photos from the same shoot also contained controversial elements, such as a man removing shoes from a tree.