Converse pulls ad that critics said evoked the KKK

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Converse removed a social media ad featuring K-pop star Karina after critics said the image’s lighting and sneaker placement evoked symbols linked to the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The company apologized for the offensive content and is working to erase the ad, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing racial sensitivity within the fashion industry.

Converse has withdrawn a social media advertisement following backlash over accusations that the image evoked symbols associated with the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The contested Instagram post featured K-pop singer Karina wearing a skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Critics expressed concern that a lighting effect on the skirt created a triangular shape resembling a KKK hood, while the positioning of the sneakers was interpreted as reminiscent of dangling feet from a lynching.

The Boston-based footwear company, owned by Nike, released an apology on Friday acknowledging the offense caused by the image. “We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” the statement said. “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.”

Requests for further details regarding the ad approval process and internal advertising review procedures were not answered by Converse on Sunday. Efforts to reach Karina and her agency, SM Entertainment Group, via Instagram did not elicit an immediate response.

The incident follows a series of controversies in the retail and fashion sectors related to racially insensitive content. In a notable example from the previous month, Target withdrew a children’s Halloween costume after widespread criticism accusing the product of echoing racist minstrel imagery.

The Converse advertisement drew swift condemnation on social media, with some users demanding personnel changes and boycotts of the brand. Others defended Converse, suggesting any offense was unintentional. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt criticized the company’s response on Instagram, emphasizing the need for proactive oversight. “Do better means catching this before it airs — not after we’re offended,” he stated.

Converse, established in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts, is known for the Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, initially introduced as a basketball shoe in 1917 and bearing the signature of basketball player Chuck Taylor since 1934. The company has a long-standing presence in the footwear industry and faces ongoing challenges in navigating cultural sensitivities in its branding efforts.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.