New Delhi: Sneaker company Converse has apologised for a social media ad that sparked controversy after critics highlighted racist symbolism in it. The ad has been taken down from social media platforms.
The controversial photo featured K-pop singer Karina wearing a white skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Many online responded that the white triangular image created by lighting on the skirt—part of a large star-shaped light—resembled a KKK hood. Some also highlighted that she held the sneakers in a way that made them look like the dangling feet of a lynching victim.
The Nike-owned brand issued an apology and said it had removed the ad.
“We’re sorry,” said the company. “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.”
While Converse responded to CNN’s enquiry with an apology, the company didn’t reveal how it screens ads, how this particular ad was approved, and who headed the project. Karina and her management company, SM Entertainment Group, are yet to comment on the matter.
‘Lynchings aren’t ancient history’
The ad triggered swift criticism after it went live, including calls for the creatives involved to be removed from their positions. Some declared they were boycotting the brand.
“How any American who is remotely educated can look at this horrifying ad & not see a klan hood and the feet of a hanging body…makes me speechless… I cannot fathom why @Converse would green light something so abhorrent. Lynchings of Black people in the US is NOT ancient history,” read a tweet on 19 September.
This ad is part of the same campaign. It was completely intentional. pic.twitter.com/g79czr7N8C
— GRRLUnderground (@kvrjules) September 19, 2026
Right-wing accounts from the US and social media have pushed back against the criticism, dismissing it as a tantrum from the “woke mob”.
A few black activists online (like actress Yvette Nicole Brown and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter) said that this ad was "White Supremacy", so Converse apologized & took it down.
It's a Korean K-Pop girl.
Never apologize to the woke mob.
They're crazy. pic.twitter.com/gkmCwUPYfp
— Mr Reagan (@MrReaganUSA) September 21, 2026
Converse was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Massachusetts, US. It was acquired by Nike as a subsidiary in 2003 and is headquartered in Boston.
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