Converse pulls K-pop shoe advert after critics say lighting created Ku Klux Klan hood illusion
From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.
Converse has apologised and pulled an Instagram ad featuring K-pop singer Karina after critics accused it of evoking KKK imagery and a lynching. The photo showed Karina in a white skirt beneath a star-shaped spotlight, with commenters arguing that the triangular light pattern resembled a KKK hood and that the sneakers she was holding suggested the feet of a lynching victim suspended in the air. Democratic congressman Troy Carter called it 'racist, reckless and deeply offensive', demanding to know 'what the hell were you thinking.' Converse, a Nike subsidiary, admitted it 'got this wrong' and pledged to remove the image from all channels.
Louisiana congressman Troy Carter said the ad showed 'what looks like a hooded Klansman framed by what appears to be the dangling feet of a lynching victim.'
Converse has offered no explanation of how the ad passed its vetting process before appearing on social media.
The backlash lands as parent company Nike faces separate pressure after its stock dropped to a 12-year low.