Culture
Converse pulls ad and apologizes after criticism over KKK, lynching imagery
September 21, 2026 at 01:00 PM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 4 hours
Converse has pulled an Instagram advertisement and apologized after critics said its imagery evoked the Ku Klux Klan and a lynching.
- Converse, owned by Nike, removed the ad featuring K-pop singer Karina after lighting on her skirt appeared to form a KKK hood and the shoes resembled dangling feet.
- The company apologized Friday, saying it removed the image from its channels and is working to remove it everywhere it appeared.
- Representative Troy Carter said the ad was a "racist, reckless and highly offensive act" and questioned Nike and Converse's decision-making.
- Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt said the apology "doesn't undo what got past legal, marketing and leadership at every step".