Converse faces social media uproar

The Nike-owned brand posted ads on Threads that some users said evoked Klan imagery and lynching. One featured K-pop star Karina in a spotlight shaped like Converse's star logo.

The problematic Chuck 70 X ad

Posted September 3rd, the ad showed Karina standing in a spotlight with a bright white triangle on her skirt that resembled a Klansman's hood. Her long skirt and dangling shoes evoked lynching imagery to some viewers.

“That's a lynching, yes?”

A second ad draws scrutiny

A separate Converse ad released September 14th for a Palmes collaboration showed a man on a ladder holding sneakers overhead. Fitness creator Kida Maree compared it to Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit,' a song about lynching.

“There is NO REASON why WE should see an advertisement & immediately think of Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday.”

Converse issues formal apology

The brand removed the Karina ad and apologized: 'We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong.' Converse said it would remove the image everywhere it appeared.

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

Some defend the ads as misunderstood

Culture writer Meecham Whitson Meriweather argued the outrage was overblown, noting the ad's caption explained the imagery: 'Under stage lights or streetlights, the star always finds the frame.'

“Like the caption tells you what is happening, what is being referenced.”

Part of a broader apology trend

Converse joins other brands recently apologizing for missteps: Pepsi for a Wild Cherry post, Neutrogena for old allegations, Target for an offensive Halloween costume, and Callaway Golf for a controversial collaboration ad.