Converse pulls ad after claims it appeared to show a KKK lynching
The Independent • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Converse has apologized and withdrawn a sneaker ad featuring K-pop star Karina after social media backlash comparing the imagery to Ku Klux Klan hoods and lynching.
- The ad showed Karina beneath a star-shaped spotlight holding black high-top sneakers, with lighting and composition that many users said resembled a KKK hood and a hanging body.
- The controversy grew after an uncropped version of the ad circulated online, making the disturbing visual associations more apparent to viewers.
- Converse, owned by Nike, acknowledged the mistake, removed the ad from all channels, and pledged to do better in the future.
- The backlash also revived criticism of a separate Converse campaign showing sneakers hanging from a tree, which social media users linked to the current controversy over offensive imagery.
