Converse has withdrawn a new advertising campaign and issued an apology after social media users accused the shoe brand of evoking the Ku Klux Klan.
The controversy erupted over commercial video footage featuring South Korean pop singer Karina, which viewers said contained visual elements reminiscent of the American white supremacist organisation.
Critics highlighted several specific aspects of the production, including a scene in which a person holding a pair of shoes is positioned in a manner that suggested to some observers the historical lynchings and hangings committed by the Klan against Black people.
Camera framing in the commercial also drew heavy criticism because it showed only the lower portion of the brand ambassador's outfit. The styling featured a long white skirt that recalled the traditional white robes worn by Ku Klux Klan members.
Additionally, the lighting design within the scene projected a distinct triangular shadow on the set, creating a silhouette that echoed the pointed hoods characteristic of white supremacist regalia.
Controversial imagery in video
The promotional video had circulated across social media platforms, including X, where French news broadcaster BFMTV posted footage of the advertisement on September 21, 2026.
Following widespread online condemnation, the commercial was quickly taken down from official Converse social media accounts, as reported by French news outlet 20 Minutes.
Converse released a formal statement expressing regret over the promotional campaign and acknowledging public anger surrounding the release.
In its statement, the company apologised and said it understood why the advertisement was deeply shocking to viewers. Converse acknowledged that a mistake had been made and confirmed that the campaign had been pulled from its channels.
The footwear maker added that it was actively working to remove the video from all platforms where it had appeared, stating that the situation should never have occurred and promising to do better in future campaigns.
Company apology and brand background
Converse is an iconic American footwear and apparel company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Best known for its Canvas Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, the company operates as a subsidiary of sportswear giant Nike, which acquired the brand in 2003.
The featured star of the campaign, Karina, whose real name is Yu Ji-min, is a South Korean singer and leader of the K-pop group aespa. Formed by SM Entertainment, the group has achieved significant popularity across Asia and internationally.
The Ku Klux Klan is a historic white supremacist hate group in the United States known for acts of racial violence, intimidation, and wearing white hooded robes.
Converse has not announced any further promotional releases to replace the withdrawn campaign as efforts continue to scrub the video from digital platforms worldwide.
