Culture

Converse pulled an Instagram ad for its Chuck 70 X sneakers featuring K-pop star Karina after critics said the lighting on her skirt formed a shape resembling a KKK hood, and the way she held the shoes evoked a lynching victim's dangling feet. Converse apologized, saying "we understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong," but critics want to know how it got approved in the first place. Honest mistake that deserved a swift apology, or proof brands still aren't vetting imagery closely enough?

Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt said the ad's approval failed at "legal, marketing and leadership" levels.