Converse withdraws ad after criticism of alleged KKK imagery
Converse removed a promotional image that drew criticism for resembling Ku Klux Klan symbols and apologized, while officials and civil rights advocates called for greater corporate oversight.
Converse announced it has taken down an advertisement after public criticism that the image appeared to reference Ku Klux Klan symbolism and lynching. The disputed photo showed a person in a white, calf-length garment holding black sneakers, with lighting and shadows that some observers said resembled a Klan robe and a hanging figure.
The company 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."
Civil-rights attorney Lee Merritt, who represented the family of Ahmaud Arbery, responded on social media, noting that corporations repeatedly fail a similar test and urging companies to catch problematic content before it airs.
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., also issued a statement, describing the ad as neither creative nor artistic and asserting that "Black pain is not a marketing prop. Lynching is not a creative concept. The Ku Klux Klan is not an aesthetic."
The image was part of a campaign promoting the Chuck 70 X sneaker in collaboration with K-pop singer Karina of the group aespa. ABC News sought comment from Karina’s representatives but did not receive a response.