Converse apologizes for ad users said evoked KKK imagery

Converse apologized for a social media advert it removed after users said it evoked Ku Klux Klan and lynching imagery.

The advert, posted on the American sneaker company's Instagram account, showed K-pop singer Karina wearing a white skirt and holding a pair of black sneakers by her side.

Some social media users said lighting on the skirt created a white triangular image resembling a KKK hood, and likened the dangling shoes to an image of a lynching.

Converse said in a statement sent to US media outlets: “We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong.” The company said the advert should not have happened and that it “will do better”.

Converse said it had removed the advert from its channels and was working to remove it everywhere it appeared. The photo was part of a campaign for the Chuck 70 X sneaker, launched internationally on August 27.