# Converse pulls racist sneaker ad after backlash

> Converse removes ad criticized for KKK imagery after social media outrage.
- Title: Converse pulls racist sneaker ad after backlash | Shortify
- Summary: Converse removes ad criticized for KKK imagery after social media outrage. Converse pulled a sneaker ad that critics said evoked KKK hood and lynching victim…
- Keywords: converse, chuck 70 x, karina, sm entertainment group, kkk hood, lynching victim, sneaker ad, racist imagery, apology, social media backlash, news, local
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/converse-apologizes-pulls-sneaker-ad-critics-said-included-racist-imagery/19854581
- Published: 2026-09-21T11:53:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: converse, chuck 70 x, karina, sm entertainment group, kkk hood, lynching victim, sneaker ad, racist imagery, apology, social media backlash, news, local
## Converse ad sparks outrage
Converse removed a social media ad criticized for evoking KKK hood and lynching victim imagery.
## Critics call out imagery
Critics said a white triangular shape on Karina's skirt resembled a KKK hood and the sneakers looked like lynching victim feet.
## Converse apologizes
Converse issued an apology, saying they removed the ad and would do better after understanding the image was deeply upsetting.

> We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong.
## Critics demand action
Critics called for staff to be fired and a boycott, questioning how the ad cleared the company's vetting process.
## Legal expert warns
A civil rights attorney said Converse’s apology doesn’t undo past failures in legal, marketing and leadership.

> We keep having this conversation because corporations keep failing the same test.
## What happens next
Converse will work to remove the ad globally and address how ads are screened before posting.
## Key takeaway

Converse pulled a sneaker ad that critics said evoked KKK hood and lynching victim imagery, apologizing for the mistake.