Converse withdraws sneaker ad after criticism over KKK-like imagery

Converse has withdrawn a promotional image for its Chuck 70 X sneaker after it attracted criticism on social media for appearing to depict a Ku Klux Klan hood and a lynching. The ad showed K-pop singer Karina of Aespa standing under a star-shaped light while holding black high-top sneakers; the lighting and composition led some users to compare the silhouette to a pointed hood and the dangling shoes to a hanging body.

The company, owned by Nike, said in a statement, "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 image, posted earlier this month, was circulated in an uncropped form that highlighted the contested elements, prompting further backlash from fans and public figures. Photographer Stephanie Schwartz and actress Yvette Nicole Brown also expressed disapproval on social media platforms.

The controversy revived discussion of another recent Converse campaign that featured sneakers hanging from a tree branch in a collaboration with Copenhagen-based brand Palmes. Critics noted that the two images together raised concerns about the brand’s visual choices.