Converse apologizes, scraps sneaker ad that critics say used racist imagery

TRENDING Converse apologizes, scraps sneaker ad that critics say used racist imagery By Rachel Goodman Global News Posted September 21, 2026 11:51 am 4 min read View image in full screen FILE: The shoe maker Converse Inc. headquarters are seen in Boston on Tuesday, July 05, 2016. (Credit: Gerry/Christopher Evans). Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Sneaker brand Converse has apologized and removed a social media advertisement for a pair of its shoes after critics said it invoked racist imagery reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and lynching. The Instagram image showed K-pop singer Karina wearing a skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Online critics said that a white triangular image created by lighting on the garment resembled a KKK hood, while the way the sneakers dangled made them look like the feet of a lynching victim. 4:32 Tech Talk: Nike developing robotic running shoes & Amazon tests out new glasses to help speed up deliveries Tech Talk: Nike developing robotic running shoes & Amazon tests out new glasses to help speed up deliveries BIV: Nike taking Lululemon to court Nike honours Montreal with bagel-inspired sneaker Next Video STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The photo sparked calls for staff involved in the ad to be fired and for a boycott of the company. In a slew of social media comments, posters questioned how the ad could have cleared the company’s advertising vetting process. Other commenters defended Converse, saying they didn’t believe it was intentional. Converse, which is owned by Nike, removed the advertisement and issued an apology. “We’re sorry,” the company wrote in a statement to Global News on Monday. “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,” it continued. Converse, based in Boston, did not provide additional details, including its ad-screening process before posting or how the ad was approved. Get daily Montreal news Get daily Montreal news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. SIGN UP FOR DAILY MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND…