Converse pulls Chuck 70 X sneaker ad and apologizes over Ku Klux Klan imagery backlash

Campaign launch and visual controversy

Footwear manufacturer Converse removed a global promotional campaign for its Chuck 70 X sneakers following public criticism over visual similarities to Ku Klux Klan imagery. The promotional image, released across international websites, Instagram, Threads, and X, featured 26-year-old South Korean singer Karina from the K-pop group Aespa. In the photograph, Karina stood in the centre of a five-pointed star spotlight wearing a calf-length white skirt while holding a pair of black high-top sneakers by the laces. Social media users noted that the overhead spotlight created a sharp triangular shadow on the skirt that resembled the pointed white hood worn by Ku Klux Klan members. Commentators also pointed out that the angle and positioning of the suspended black sneakers resembled the dangling feet of a lynching victim, referencing historical violence by white supremacists in the United States.

Social media backlash and creative criticism

The image provoked widespread debate across online platforms, where industry professionals and public figures analyzed the technical composition of the shoot. Chicago-based photographer Stephanie Schwartz commented on the staging in a post on Threads.

“Shadow, light, and composition. Every photographer can tell you, whoever did this ad knew EXACTLY what they were doing.”

Other public figures echoed these concerns, including actress Yvette Nicole Brown and educator Kendall C. Peacock, who asked how the photograph passed internal corporate approval tiers before publication. DJ SoulChild posted a video on TikTok arguing that the visual symbolism of the Ku Klux Klan was recognizable. During the debate, users also resurfaced an earlier Converse campaign created in partnership with Copenhagen-based clothing brand Palmes, which showed a man on a ladder holding sneakers draped over a tree branch. Other social media users defended the footwear maker, arguing that the visual framing was unintentional and that the controversial parallels appeared only when viewers actively sought them out.

Corporate apology and removal of promotional material

Converse withdrew the photograph from all official social media accounts and stated that it was working to eliminate the image from all remaining channels. The brand, headquartered in Boston, issued an apology acknowledging that the imagery caused distress.

“We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong. 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.”

Converse did not answer direct inquiries from journalists regarding the internal approval protocols used prior to the publication of the visual. In addition, Converse pulled the earlier Palmes campaign imagery from its digital channels. Representatives for Karina and her management group did not provide a comment following the withdrawal of the material.

Historical background and business pressures

The campaign withdrawal took place during a period of reduced financial performance for Converse. Founded in Massachusetts in 1908, the company introduced its Chuck Taylor All Star basketball shoe in 1917 before Nike acquired the business in 2003. Between June 2025 and June 2026, Converse recorded a drop of one-third in both total sales and revenue. The Chuck 70 X model had launched internationally on 27 August 2026, with the Karina partnership intended to support the global release.