Converse recently pulled a controversial sneaker ad that has been widely denounced as referencing the KKK and lynching.
The controversy stems from a section of a much larger image featuring K-pop singer Karina in a white skirt gripping a pair of sneakers.
Social media users pointed out that Converse’s lighting choices result in a shadow that makes the bottom portion of the skirt resemble a KKK hood and dangling feet that look as if they belong to someone who was lynched.
Earlier this month, Converse Mexico and Converse Malaysia posted a similarly controversial ad of shoes hanging from a tree. This ad was a collaboration between the Danish lifestyle brand and Palmes.
The criticism went viral, and Nike, which owns Converse, shared an apology on Friday and announced that they took down the ad.
“We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” said Nike, according to CNN. “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.”
On the same day, Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr., D-LA, released a statement condemning the ad.
“I am a Black man, a son of the South and a Member of Congress from Louisiana,” said Carter Sr. “Where I come from, the image of Black people hanging from trees is not ancient history. That pain still lives in our families and communities. The white hood is not some harmless costume. It is a symbol of terror, murder, and generations of racial violence.
“Do not insult our intelligence by dismissing this as an unfortunate misunderstanding. An advertising campaign does not just appear,” Carter Sr. continued. “It is conceived, photographed, reviewed, approved, and distributed. At every stage, someone had the opportunity—and the responsibility—to say no.”
