Converse removed a sneaker advertisement after social media users criticized it for evoking Ku Klux Klan imagery. The controversial image showed a person wearing a white garment with shadows forming a pointed hood, resembling a Klan robe, while holding sneakers that appeared to dangle like a lynching scene. Critics, including Kendall Peacock of the Education Firm in Atlanta and photographer Stephanie Schwartz, condemned the ad as deeply insensitive and deliberately racist.

Converse issued an apology, stating 'This should not have happened and we will do better,' and confirmed removal from all channels. The ad was part of a campaign promoting the Chuck 70 X sneaker in collaboration with Karina of aespa. It remains unclear who designed or approved the advertisement.

Converse did not immediately respond to further inquiries. This follows a recent incident where Target discontinued a Halloween costume deemed racially insensitive.