Converse has pulled an advertising campaign and issued an apology after it faced widespread criticism over imagery that some consumers said evoked the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.

The Nike-owned brand removed the image from its social media channels following a backlash over an advert promoting its Chuck 70 X trainers with K-pop star Karina, a member of girl group Aespa.

The image showed Karina wearing a white skirt and holding a pair of black Converse trainers by her side.

Critics said the lighting created a triangular white shape on the garment that resembled the pointed hood associated with the KKK, while the positioning of the shoes prompted comparisons with the imagery of lynching.

Converse said: “We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognise that we got this wrong.

“We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened and we will do better.”

The advert prompted a wave of criticism on social media, including questions over how the image had made it through the internal marketing approval process.

Some consumers called for a boycott of Converse, while others argued that they did not believe the imagery had been intentional.

A second image connected to the wider campaign also drew criticism after it depicted models using a ladder to reach trainers hanging from a tree.

Converse, which was founded in Massachusetts in 1908 and acquired by Nike in 2003, is best known for its Chuck Taylor All Star trainers.

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