Business & Finance

Converse withdraws promotional ad and apologizes following criticism over imagery

Critics and a lawmaker alleged the promotional campaign evoked racist symbols, prompting demands for an investigation.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 00:08 UTC2 reports

The short version

Converse apologized and pulled a shoe advertising campaign after critics stated the imagery resembled Ku Klux Klan and lynching symbols.[Fox News]
Democratic Representative Troy Carter called the visual offensive, and his spokesperson demanded an independent inquiry and safeguards.[Fox News]
Converse stated it made an error and is removing the image, but the company declined to answer inquiries regarding its internal approval process.[ABC News · Fox News]
Representatives for featured singer Karina and her management company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.[ABC News]

Converse apologized and pulled a promotional shoe campaign after critics alleged the imagery resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood and a lynching victim.[ABC News · Fox News]
Representative Troy Carter characterized the campaign imagery as racist, reckless, and offensive, stating it resembled a hooded Klansman and lynching victim feet.[Fox News]
A spokesperson for Carter stated that removal and an apology were insufficient, demanding an independent investigation and safeguards from Nike and Converse.[Fox News]
Converse acknowledged the image was upsetting, stated it made an error, and worked to take down the ad across its channels.[Fox News]
Social media responses included calls for employee dismissals, a consumer boycott, and criticism from civil rights attorney Lee Merritt over corporate vetting failures.[ABC News]

Converse declined to provide information on how the advertisement was screened or approved prior to release.[ABC News]
Featured artist Karina and her agency SM Entertainment Group have not commented on the campaign.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.