ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Ebro and Laura dig into the backlash surrounding a Converse campaign image that critics said evoked a KKK hood and lynching imagery. Converse removed the ad and apologized, but the conversation turns to a bigger question: how does an image like that make it through multiple layers of a major corporate marketing operation, and was outrage itself part of the strategy?
Later, Ed Sheeran addresses the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his tour. Sheeran apologizes for mistakes, says venues should not pre-approve performers’ content and speaks publicly about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Ebro and Laura discuss the professional consequences artists and athletes can face when they speak on politically sensitive issues.
The Rundown also covers the 2026 VMAs and the White House barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists from the grounds, a move the three outlets are challenging in federal court.
Chapters:- (00:00:00) Yom Kippur Monday in New York
- (00:01:00) UN General Assembly week brings traffic, security and protests
- (00:03:50) ELR finds a new audience online
- (00:06:35) The controversial Converse ad sparks backlash
- (00:09:15) Converse apologizes and removes the image
- (00:10:30) How did the ad make it through the approval process?
- (00:12:45) Racist imagery, rage bait and corporate marketing
- (00:16:35) Ed Sheeran addresses the Macklemore fallout
- (00:18:50) Sheeran speaks about Israel and Gaza
- (00:23:00) Why speaking out can come with major consequences
- (00:26:50) Snoop Dogg hosts the 2026 VMAs
- (00:29:20) White House bars CNN, MS NOW and Politico
- (00:31:50) September 21 and the Earth, Wind & Fire dilemma
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