Converse apologizes for ‘deeply upsetting’ sneaker ad after imagery was compared to KKK, lynching

(Gray News) - Converse is apologizing after receiving backlash across social media for a recent sneaker campaign, according to multiple reports.

The photo, which has been taken down, was initially posted on the shoe company’s Instagram account to promote Converse’s Chuck 70 X sneaker, which launched last month.

One image showed the K-pop star Karina standing under a star-shaped spotlight while holding a pair of black high-top sneakers and wearing a calf-length white skirt.

The ad went viral as many social media users interpreted the imagery as racist.

Some pointed out that the spotlight created an outline resembling a Ku Klux Klan hood, while others believed the way Karina held the shoes resembled lynching imagery.

After receiving widespread backlash for the imagery, the brand issued an apology.

“We’re sorry,” Converse said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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,” the statement continued. “This should not have happened and we will do better.”