Converse withdrew and apologized for a promotional video featuring aespa's Karina after viewers said the visuals evoked Ku Klux Klan and lynching imagery. Representative Troy Carter called the campaign "racist, reckless and deeply offensive" and demanded an independent investigation. Converse said it removed the ad from its channels and is working to eliminate all placements; critics want a full explanation and safeguards.
Converse Pulls Ad Starring aespa's Karina After Critics Say Visuals Evoked KKK Imagery
Converse is a subsidiary of Nike, which has faced backlash from conservative critics over the past few years.
Converse has apologized and removed a promotional video featuring K-pop star Karina of aespa after viewers said its visuals appeared to evoke Ku Klux Klan imagery and the historic violence of lynching. The clip, which promoted the Chuck 70 X and Run Star Crush sneakers, has been taken down from Converse's social channels while the company works to remove all placements.
The video showed Karina wearing a long white skirt and holding a pair of black high-top shoes beneath a star-shaped spotlight. Some social media users said the styling made her resemble a hooded Klan member and likened the shoes to a victim, prompting widespread criticism.
Nike has lost more than $220 billion in shareholder market value over the last five years.
Responses And Reaction
Representative Troy Carter (D-La.) condemned the campaign in strong terms, calling it "racist, reckless and deeply offensive" and demanding an explanation and investigation into how the ad was approved. A spokesperson for Carter said an apology and removal were not enough and urged that Converse and Nike identify those responsible, commission an independent investigation, and implement safeguards to prevent similar imagery in the future.
Rep. Troy Carter: "Nike and Converse, what the hell were you thinking? Your campaign shows what looks like a hooded Klansman, framed by what appears to be the dangling feet of a lynching victim. There is nothing creative or artistic about it. It is racist, reckless and deeply offensive."
Converse statement: "We're sorry. 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. This should not have happened, and we will do better."
Context
Converse is a subsidiary of Nike, which has faced political and cultural backlash in recent years over partnerships and marketing choices. The ad controversy arrives amid broader pressures on Nike, including a reported drop in market value and the company's pending removal from the S&P 100 after nearly 18 years.
Converse's swift removal and apology addressed immediate concerns, but critics and elected officials are seeking greater transparency about the approval process and the steps the companies will take to avoid similar misjudgments going forward.
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