From BBC News · · 1m 20s
Converse yanks ad after KKK imagery backlash
The sneaker brand apologized and removed a photo from its Chuck 70 campaign after social media users said it evoked white supremacist symbolism.
In brief
The sneaker brand apologized and removed a photo from its Chuck 70 campaign after social media users said it evoked white supremacist symbolism. A single poorly considered image can trigger massive backlash and force a major brand to apologize and pull an entire campaign. Originally reported by BBC News.
Converse ad sparks outrage online
The footwear brand posted a photo to Instagram showing dangling shoes that social media users said resembled KKK imagery and lynching.
Critics flag lighting and composition
The image's lighting was described as resembling a white pointed hood, while the dangling shoes were likened to a lynching victim.
Converse apologizes and removes image
The brand said the photo had been removed from its social media channels and it was working to remove it elsewhere. It stated the image was "deeply upsetting" and acknowledged it "got this wrong".
“We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong.”
Part of Chuck 70 campaign
The photo was part of a campaign promoting Converse's Chuck 70 X trainer, launched internationally on August 27 and featuring South Korean singer Karina from K-pop group Aespa.
Converse's history and ownership
Founded in Massachusetts in the early 1900s, Converse became famous after its Chuck Taylor sneaker debuted on US basketball courts in 1917. Nike has owned the brand since 2003.
At a glance
A single poorly considered image can trigger massive backlash and force a major brand to apologize and pull an entire campaign.
