Converse, the Boston‑based sneaker maker owned by Nike, has taken down an Instagram advertisement after it sparked national criticism for perceived racist imagery. The ad showed K‑pop singer Karina in a skirt holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Viewers noted that a white triangular light on the skirt resembled the hood of the Ku Klux Klan, while the way the sneakers were held was likened to the dangling feet of a lynching victim.
Company response
In a statement released on Friday, Converse apologized, saying, “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 declined to answer follow‑up questions about its ad‑screening process.
Public reaction
Social‑media users called for the staff responsible for the ad to be fired and urged a boycott of the brand. Some defended the ad, arguing that no intentional offense was meant. Civil‑rights attorney Lee Merritt, based in Texas, posted that the apology “doesn’t undo what got past legal, marketing and leadership at every step,” adding, “We keep having this conversation because corporations keep failing the same test. Do better means catching this before it airs — not after we’re offended.”
Context
Converse, founded in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1908, is best known for its Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, first released in 1917. The brand has faced previous criticism over products deemed racially insensitive, such as Target’s recent removal of a Halloween costume accused of evoking minstrel caricatures.
While the company has not disclosed details of its internal review, the incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of corporate advertising practices and the importance of cultural sensitivity in marketing.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
