Converse withdraws Instagram sneaker ad after criticism of racially charged imagery
Converse removed an Instagram advertisement featuring K-pop singer Karina after it was criticized for resembling KKK symbols and a lynching scene, and the company issued an apology.
Converse announced it has taken down an Instagram advertisement that displayed K-pop singer Karina in a skirt holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers after the image drew criticism for appearing to evoke a white triangular hood associated with the Ku Klux Klan and for the way the sneakers were positioned, which some said resembled a lynching victim's feet.
The company, owned by Nike, released a statement on Friday apologizing for the post, saying it understands why the image was upsetting, that it was removed from all channels, and that the brand will improve its processes. > "We’re sorry," the statement read. "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."
Converse declined to comment on details of its ad-approval procedures when asked on Sunday. Neither Karina nor her management, SM Entertainment Group, responded to inquiries made through Instagram.
The controversy sparked calls on social media for accountability, including demands that staff involved be dismissed and suggestions of a boycott. Civil-rights attorney Lee Merritt posted that the apology does not undo the failures of the legal, marketing and leadership teams that allowed the ad to run. The incident follows similar recent incidents in the retail sector, such as Target withdrawing a Halloween costume after backlash over perceived racist caricatures.