From Adweek · Christopher Cicchiello · · 1m
Former CMO Rambo Faces Death Threats After Converse Ad
Ex-Converse CMO Rodney Rambo gets death threats despite not creating controversial ad.
In brief
Ex-Converse CMO Rodney Rambo gets death threats despite not creating controversial ad. Former Converse CMO Rodney Rambo received death threats after a viral ad with racist imagery, though he had no involvement in the campaign. Originally reported by Adweek.
Threats start
Rambo got death threats after Converse's controversial ad went viral.
“You should be disgusted that this ad was ever approved”
Ad controversy
Ad featured Kpop star Karina with Chuck 70 X sneakers in Klan-like imagery.
“It is unconscionable how such a tasteless ad was cleared under your oversight”
Social backlash
Hundreds of social media users blamed Rambo for the ad.
“You need a fade or something”
Personal attacks
Threats targeted Rambo’s family and doxxed his extended family.
“Some of the most chilling messages said people should lynch him”
Institutional silence
Converse denied Rambo’s involvement but offered no support.
“It was definitely jarring”
AI errors
AI tools listed Rambo as current CMO for Converse.
“He tried to educate Grok on who the current CMO is”
Support from peers
Former Converse CMO Geoff Cottrill helped clear Rambo’s name.
“He had NOTHING to do with what happened”
Apology from Julia
Julia Wiltshire apologized after initially criticizing Rambo.
“She also called him to apologize”
The main idea
Former Converse CMO Rodney Rambo received death threats after a viral ad with racist imagery, though he had no involvement in the campaign.
