Converse removes ad campaign criticized over KKK-esque imagery, issues apology

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney in Texas, criticized the company's apology in an Instagram post, saying that it “does not undo what the legal, marketing, and management departments went through.

US footwear company Converse issued an official apology on Friday after a new ad campaign drew criticism for what some saw as KKK-esque imagery.

The advertisement, which the company has since removed from its Instagram, shows K-pop star Karina holding a pair of Converse Chuck 70 X sneakers.

Those criticizing the ad have said the lighting on the singer's white skirt resembles a KKK hood, while the way the model held the shoes appeared to look as if a person had been hanged.

"We’re sorry," the company said in its apology. "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."

Calls were made to fire the staff members responsible for the campaign, with many social media commentators inquiring how the advertisement was approved in the first place.

Some defend Converse, say KKK-esque imagery likely unintentional

In contrast, several commenters defended the company, noting the imagery was likely unintentional.

Converse declined a request for comment from N12, while Karina and her management company, SM Entertainment Group, did not respond.

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney in Texas, criticized the company's apology in an Instagram post, saying that it “does not undo what the legal, marketing, and management departments went through at every level.” 

"We continue to have this conversation because corporations continue to fail the same test," said Merritt. "'Doing better' means catching it before it airs - not after we’ve been hurt."