Converse has taken down a promotional photograph that drew sharp criticism on social media for its resemblance to Ku Klux Klan imagery.
The image, posted to the company’s Instagram account, featured a pair of shoes suspended against a backdrop that many users said mimicked a white pointed hood. Some also compared the dangling shoes to a lynching victim.
In a statement released on Friday, Converse acknowledged the mistake, saying the photo had been removed from its social media channels and that the brand was working to delete it from other platforms. "This should not have happened and we will do better," the company added.
The apology also read: "We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong."
The photograph was part of a global campaign for the Chuck 70 X trainer, which launched on 27 August. The campaign features South Korean singer Karina of the K‑pop group Aespa.
Converse, founded in Massachusetts in the early 1900s, has grown into a global brand and has been owned by Nike since 2003.