Converse removes ad after criticism over racist associations — ABC News Australia

American company Converse removed an Instagram promotional photo for Chuck 70 X sneakers after criticism from users who saw imagery associated with the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The company also apologized for the post, reports ABC News Australia.

What prompted the criticism

In the image, K-pop singer Karina was depicted wearing a skirt and holding a pair of sneakers. Critics on social media said that a white triangular reflection created by the lighting on the skirt resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood. In their view, the position of the sneakers in the singer's hands could also evoke associations with the dangling legs of a lynching victim.

After the ad appeared, users called for the dismissal of employees involved in its creation and for a boycott of the brand. Some commenters, however, noted that they did not consider the image intentional.

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Company response

Converse, which is owned by Nike, said it understood why the photo could have deeply upset people and acknowledged the mistake. The company removed the post from its channels and said it was working to have it removed everywhere it had appeared.

The brand did not respond to additional questions about the review of advertising materials before publication and the approval process for the image. Karina and her management company, SM Entertainment Group, also did not provide an immediate comment via Instagram.

Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt said that an apology does not undo the fact that the image passed the company's legal, marketing and management review.