Converse Pulls Ad Over KKK Imagery Criticism

Converse has apologized and pulled a global advertisement featuring K-pop star Karina after critics said the imagery evoked the Ku Klux Klan and lynching. The Boston-based sneaker brand, a subsidiary of Nike, stated the ad should not have happened and is working to remove it from all channels. The controversy centered on an image from the campaign for the Chuck 70 X sneaker line, which launched globally on August 27, 2026. In the ad, Karina, named Converse's global brand ambassador in June, is shown wearing a white dress and holding sneakers. Online commenters argued that a white triangular shape formed by lighting on her skirt resembled a Klan hood, while the way she held the shoes made them look like the dangling feet of a lynching victim. Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter issued a statement calling the imagery "racist, reckless and deeply offensive." He demanded to know who approved the advertisement and whether any Black team members were involved in reviewing it. Carter stated that an apology and removal are insufficient, and called for an explanation of how the campaign was conceived and approved, along with an independent investigation.