American footwear brand Converse has removed an advertisement after facing backlash online, with many social media users claiming the image evoked troubling associations with the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a historical group known for racial discrimination and violence. The photograph, which was posted on Converse's Instagram account as part of a campaign for its Chuck 70 X trainer, sparked criticism after some users noted that the lighting in the image resembled a white pointed hood, a symbol often linked to the KKK. Additionally, some online commenters compared the shoes in the image to a photograph of a lynching victim, a deeply disturbing association that led to widespread outrage. In response, Converse issued an apology on Friday, confirming that the image had been removed from its social media accounts and that the company was working to remove it from other platforms. "This should not have happened and we will do better," the company stated. They also acknowledged the distress caused by the image, saying, "We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong." The controversial image was part of a campaign promoting the Chuck 70 X, a new version of Converse's classic Chuck 70 sneakers, which was launched internationally on August 27. The campaign features South Korean singer Karina, a member of the popular K-pop group Aespa, who appears in a series of advertisements for the shoes. The campaign aimed to highlight the brand’s continued relevance in the global fashion scene. Converse, founded in Massachusetts in the early 1900s, has grown significantly over the years, especially after its Chuck Taylor sneaker became a staple on U.S. basketball courts in 1917. The brand has been owned by Nike since 2003, but it has maintained its own identity and cultural influence, often associated with youth culture and music. This incident has now placed the company under increased scrutiny as it seeks to address the controversy and reaffirm its values.