Converse has issued an apology and retracted a controversial advertisement following backlash from observers who claimed it depicted imagery reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.
Ad Sparks Outrage
The contentious advertisement, which appeared on Instagram, featured K-pop artist Karina dressed in a skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Criticism arose due to the lighting on the skirt creating a triangular white shape, which was perceived as similar to a KKK hood. Furthermore, critics pointed out that the positioning of the sneakers in her hand resembled the feet of a lynching victim.
In response to the public uproar, Converse, a subsidiary of Nike, released a statement on Friday, acknowledging the distress caused by the image. “We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” the statement expressed. “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.”
Absence of Further Commentary from Converse
While Converse has removed the offending image, they have not provided additional information regarding their advertising approval process. Their Boston headquarters declined to comment further on the matter or discuss the procedures that allowed the ad to be published initially.
Broader History of Sensitivities in Fashion
This incident adds to a series of recent apologies from major retailers and fashion brands accused of racial insensitivity. A similar controversy occurred in August when Target retracted a children’s Halloween costume following accusations of it perpetuating racist stereotypes.
Continued Debate
The Converse ad provoked a variety of responses on social media, with some users demanding the dismissal of those involved in the ad’s creation and a boycott of the brand. Meanwhile, others defended the company, suggesting there was no intent to offend.
Prominent civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt commented via Instagram, criticizing Converse’s response, “We keep having this conversation because corporations keep failing the same test. ‘Do better’ means catching this before it airs – not after we’re offended.”
Founded in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts, Converse is renowned for its Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker, a product that originally launched as a basketball shoe in 1917, later embodying the signature of famed player Chuck Taylor in 1934.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.