Converse, the historic Boston sneaker brand owned by Nike, announced Friday that it has removed an Instagram advertisement after widespread criticism that the image was racially offensive. 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 appeared to mimic the dangling feet of a lynching victim.
Company response
In a brief statement released on Friday, Converse said, “We’re sorry. 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, headquartered in Boston, declined to answer follow‑up questions about its internal ad‑approval process.
Public reaction
Social‑media users quickly condemned the ad, calling for the staff responsible to be fired and urging a boycott of the brand. Some commenters defended Converse, arguing that the imagery was not intentional. Civil‑rights attorney Lee Merritt, based in Texas, posted on Instagram 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 and precedent
Converse, founded in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1908, is best known for its Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, first released in 1917 as a non‑skid basketball shoe and later bearing the signature of basketball player Chuck Taylor in 1934. The brand has faced criticism before for perceived racial insensitivity. Last month, retailer Target withdrew a children’s Halloween costume after backlash that the outfit evoked racist minstrel caricatures.
While the ad was removed quickly, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about corporate vetting of marketing materials. Critics argue that large companies must ensure their advertising does not inadvertently echo symbols of hate or historical trauma.
Looking ahead
Converse has not indicated whether it will conduct a review of its advertising approval procedures or implement new safeguards. The company’s statement promised that it will “do better,” but no concrete steps were detailed. Observers note that the swift removal demonstrates a willingness to respond to public concerns, yet the episode may serve as a reminder that even well‑intentioned campaigns can misfire without thorough cultural review.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
