Converse apologizes, pulls ad that drew KKK comparisons

Catch up quick: Converse posted an Instagram ad photo of K-pop singer Karina earlier this month wearing a white skirt and black Chuck 70 X sneakers while holding another pair of sneakers.

• A spotlight in the shape of Converse's star logo shone over Karina, and critics said the lighting cast a triangular shape over the skirt that resembled a KKK hood.
• They also said the lighting makes the sneakers Karina's holding look like the dangling feet of someone being lynched.

The latest: Converse, which is owned by Nike, issued a statement Friday apologizing and saying it would pull the ad.

• "This should not have happened and we will do better," the company said.
• Neither company immediately responded to an email from Axios Sunday night.

Zoom out: Several U.S. companies have faced backlash for ads that critics say had racist dog whistles.

• American Eagle and Dunkin' were accused of promoting eugenics last year after ads where actors Sydney Sweeney and Gavin Casalegno, respectively, referenced genetics.
• Target pulled a children's Halloween costume last month that critics said resembled a racist minstrel show character.