Converse forced to apologise following backlash over ad that depicted ‘KKK undertones’

American brand Converse has been forced to apologise over a controversial social media ad that copped backlash online, with people comparing the imagery used by the popular footwear company to the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.

The Instagram ad in question featured K-pop star Karina wearing a long white skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers.

It led to a tirade of outrage, with people online arguing that the white triangular image created by the lighting on the skirt resembled a KKK hood and the positioning of the black shoes made it look like the dangling feet of a lynching victim.

In the wake of the ad, the company issued a statement to the press on Friday admitting the advert was a mistake, and that it would be pulled.

“We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognise 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.”

In a slew of social media comments, posters questioned how the ad could have cleared the company’s advertising vetting process, while other commenters defended Converse, saying they did not believe it was intentional.

“It looks like someone is hanging besides it — who the hell signed off that image?” one angered social media user wrote, with another adding: “I can understand why it sparked backlash — companies need to be careful about the messages their advertising sends.”

Not everyone is convinced, however, with one person going so far as to comment: “We are dealing with the stupidest generation since the existence of humanity. What a disgrace.”

Another wrote: “Converse, you bowed to the woke minority. Welcome to the rabbit hole of brand destruction. It’s been nice knowing you.”

Converse was founded in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1908 and has since opened more than 100 stores worldwide, with seven across Australia including two WA locations.