Converse apologizes and pulls sneaker ad that critics said included racist imagery
CNN • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Converse removed a controversial Instagram ad featuring K-pop singer Karina after critics said the lighting on her skirt resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood and the way she held sneakers evoked lynching imagery.
- The company, owned by Nike, apologized for the ad, stating it was deeply upsetting, acknowledged the mistake, and committed to removing the image from all channels.
- Converse declined to provide details on how the ad was approved or their screening process, while Karina and her management have not responded publicly.
- The incident sparked calls for firings and boycotts, with some defending Converse, but civil rights attorney Lee Merritt criticized the company’s vetting process.
- This controversy follows a pattern of major retailers and brands apologizing for racially insensitive products, highlighting ongoing challenges in advertising and product oversight.
