Converse, the footwear and apparel company owned by Nike Inc., has removed a digital advertisement from its social media channels and issued an apology following public criticism last week. According to reports from ABC News and Reuters, the company took action after critics stated the ad’s imagery was offensive and reminiscent of historical symbols of racial violence.
The advertisement, which promoted a new line of shoes called “Converse Twisted,” depicted a pair of sneakers hanging by their laces from a metal chain against a plain background. The ad was posted on the company’s official social media accounts as part of a marketing campaign for the new collection.
Following its release, users on social media platforms began to voice objections to the visual presentation. The commentary focused on the imagery of the hanging shoes, which critics said resembled a noose. These comments drew connections to the historical use of lynchings as a tool of terror against Black Americans by white supremacist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan.
In response to the public reaction, Converse deleted the advertisement. The company subsequently released a formal statement addressing the matter.
“An advertisement for our new Twisted Classics collection was recently posted on our social channels,” the statement read, as reported by multiple media outlets. “The advertisement has been removed as the imagery is offensive and does not align with our brand values.”
The statement concluded, “We have apologized and are working with our partners to ensure this does not happen again.”
As of this report, the advertisement has not been reposted on the company’s platforms. The incident is one of several in recent years where major brands have withdrawn marketing materials after receiving negative feedback on social media.
