Converse apologises after Karina ad sparks backlash over alleged racist imagery

Converse has apologised and removed a social media advertisement featuring K-pop singer Karina after critics said it appeared to evoke racist imagery.

The Instagram image showed Karina wearing a skirt while holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers.

Critics said lighting created a white triangular shape on her skirt that resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood, while the hanging shoes appeared to resemble the feet of a lynching victim.

“We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” Converse said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

The Nike-owned company said it had removed the advertisement from its channels and was working to remove it everywhere else it appeared.

“This should not have happened and we will do better,” Converse said.

The image triggered widespread criticism on social media, including calls for a boycott and questions about how the advertisement passed the company’s review process.

Other users argued the imagery was unintentional.

Texas civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt criticised the company’s response on Instagram, saying its apology “doesn’t undo what got past legal, marketing and leadership at every step.”