Converse forced to apologise for ‘atrociously racist’ ad likened to KKK imagery

Converse has been heavily criticised for its imagery in a new ad campaign (Picture: Converse)

Converse has issued an apology after widespread backlash to its latest ad campaign, with the imagery compared to that of the Ku Klux Klan.

The trainer brand was thrust into controversy after images were released from the global Chuck 70 X campaign, featuring K-pop star Karina of the girl group Aespa.

Photos showed her holding a pair of black sneakers, standing in the centre of an illuminated star that represents the Converse logo.

The 26-year-old singer wears a white satin skirt, with the lighting and shadows creating a triangle shape on the fabric, which many have said makes it appear like a pointed hood, with the shoes dangling underneath.

In a second image, two models are climbing ...