Converse pulls ad campaign following backlash over racist imagery

Converse advertising controversy Chuck 70 X racist imagery brand apology

Converse, a subsidiary of Nike, has pulled a promotional advertisement for its Chuck 70 X sneakers following widespread backlash over imagery perceived as having racist connotations. The campaign, which featured K-pop star Karina of the group Aespa, drew intense criticism on social media.

Critics argued that the lighting and composition of the image, which showed a person in a white skirt, evoked the pointed white hoods used by the Ku Klux Klan. Additionally, the positioning of the footwear was interpreted by some viewers as resembling the dangling feet of a lynching victim.

In a formal statement, Converse apologized, stating, “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 ensure its removal from all other platforms.

Entities

Boston · Converse · Karina · Ku Klux Klan · Nike · aespa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Converse withdrew a social media advertisement featuring K-pop star Karina. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 3 SOURCES] The positioning of the shoes in the ad was interpreted by some as resembling dangling feet associated with lynchings. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Converse issued an apology regarding the controversy. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Critics claimed the lighting in the Instagram ad created a white triangle resembling a KKK hood. www.leinetal24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Converse apologized for the advertisement, stating they recognized they got the image wrong. 1053rnb.com · hotspotatl.com · newsone.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The controversial campaign featured K-pop star Karina wearing a white skirt-like garment. 1053rnb.com · hotspotatl.com · newsone.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Black consumer spending power is estimated at $1.6 trillion to $2 trillion and is projected to reach $2.2 trillion by the end of 2026. 1053rnb.com · hotspotatl.com · newsone.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Critics argued the lighting in the ad resembled a KKK hood and the shoe positioning evoked lynching imagery. 1053rnb.com · hotspotatl.com · newsone.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Converse faced backlash in September 2026 over an advertisement accused of resembling Ku Klux Klan symbolism and lynching imagery. 1053rnb.com · hotspotatl.com · newsone.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The campaign featured South Korean singer Karina from the K-pop group aespa. zap.aeiou.pt · istoe.com.br · www.meioemensagem.com.br
[● 3 SOURCES] The advertisement was part of a promotional campaign for the Chuck 70 X footwear model. zap.aeiou.pt · istoe.com.br · www.meioemensagem.com.br
[● 3 SOURCES] Social media users claimed the advertisement's lighting and composition evoked imagery associated with the Ku Klux Klan. zap.aeiou.pt · istoe.com.br · www.meioemensagem.com.br