Converse
Converse pulled an ad with strong racist resemblance
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Converse Pulls “Deeply Upsetting” Ad, Issues Apology After Disturbing Comparisons Spark Backlash

Converse has issued an apology and pulled a polarizing advertisement that commanded attention for all the wrong reasons.

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Converse has

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The sneaker brand has issued an apology for posting an advertisement that drew comparisons to the KKK and lynching.

In a statement to Footwear News, Converse addressed the controversial advert.

"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 Chuck 70 campaign image features K-pop star Karina of the girl group Aespa.

In the controversial photo shared below, Karina stands inside a Converse star with a white skirt while holding two shoes on her left side. Fans felt the lighting on the skirt created a white triangle shape that resembles a KKK hood. Even worse, the shoes look like two dangling legs at first glance.

Internet Rips Converse for Polarizing Advertisement

The campaign immediately sparked widespread controversy and discord, with hundreds of social media users slamming the sneaker brand online.

"Are you serious??? I will never wear this brand (that I have been loyal to for over 20 years) EVER again," an X user wrote.

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. also released a statement about the controversial advertisement, which he called "deeply offensive."

"Nike and Converse, what the hell were you thinking?

"Your campaign shows what looks like a hooded Klansman, framed by what appears to be the dangling feet of a lynching victim. There is nothing creative or artistic about it. It is racist, reckless and deeply offensive."

Carter added, "Black pain is not a marketing prop. Lynching is not a creative concept. The Ku Klux Klan is not an aesthetic.

"This campaign should never have been created, approved or released. Nike and Converse must answer for it. You have caused real harm. Repairing that harm will require more than an apology written by your public relations department."

The polarizing Converse ad comes one week after the University of Kansas football team drew backlash for running a promo video that traced their

Mizzou football head coach Eli Drinkwitz admitted that the

"I'm just glad the whole right-versus-wrong crap got settled on the football field," Drinkwitz said. "I get there's a past to it, but why are we stirring that bullcrap up? It's 9/11. We need more unity. I was embarrassed for them. That's why I tried to embarrass them."

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