THE Ku Klux Klan returned to prominence thanks to Donald Trump who is cited as a factor in the rise of right-wing groups in America after they backed him to become president.
Here is the story of the evil group, its history in the US and the meaning behind its members' infamous white robes.
What is the Ku Klux Klan?
In a nutshell, the Ku Klux Klan (or the KKK) is an extremist hate group that believes all non-Caucasian people are inferior to them.
The group believes that America should be a nation that is free from drugs, homosexuality and immigration.
Claiming to have extreme pride in their nation, they say that they are building a better society for everyone – arguing on their website that they are a group not of hate but of love.
Historically, black Americans have been the KKK's main target – but more recently it has targeted Jews, immigrants, LGBT people and even Catholics.
Since its formation in 1865, the group's history can be divided into three eras.
On May 13, 20212, the group hit the headlines when American Idol contestant who made it to the final five has left the talent show after footage emerged of him sitting next to someone wearing a white hood.
Country music singer Caleb Kennedy, 16, apologized after the video drew comparisons to the Ku Klux Klan.
Network ABC confirmed he had left American Idol and Sunday's episode will feature four contestants and one elimination.
In his statement online announcing his departure, Kennedy said: "There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way.
"I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that's not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.
"I'll be taking a little time off social media to better myself, but saying that, I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me."
He added: "I'm so sorry! I pray that I can one day regain your trust in who I am and have your respect! Thank you for supporting me."
What does the KKK do?
The KKK refers to its beliefs and practices as 'Klankraft'.
Although they are a secretive group, there is some knowledge of its beliefs and practices – which are all based on their white supremacist views.
Incredible images give a chilling insight into white supremacist culture that still exist in all corners of America.
One of the most iconic symbols of the KKK is their white robes, which feature a conical mask. These were adopted by the first Klan, and were intended to add to the terror of their brutal attacks.
As part of their rituals, the KKK carries out cross burnings. Most Christians would say burning a cross is sacrilege – but the Klan believe it is 'lighting' it, in a symbol of members' faith.
The KKK also use unique titles and greetings among their members – with the leaders referred to as Grand or Imperial Wizards.
To this day the KKK attend rallies, and due the United States Constitution's First Amendment, which relates to freedom of speech, their hate speech is legal.
Who founded the Ku Klux Klan?
The first Klan, founded in Tennessee, was formed by former members of the Confederate army in around 1865.
As a movement it was relatively short-lived at the outset – but, as secret vigilantes, the Klan carried out acts of terrorism such as the lynchings, arson, murders, tar-and-featherings, rapes and other violent attacks historically associated with the group. During the first era, these attacks were directed towards anyone who challenged white supremacy.
The second Klan, founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1921, presented itself as a fraternal organisation – employing full-time recruiters. At its peak, it was present in every state in America – claiming to have at least 4 million members, operations in Canada, and even reportedly some recruiting activity in the UK.
A series of chilling photos were recently unearthed showing babies being baptised by white hooded-figures.
However, the KKK's popularity plummeted to only 30,000 members after a series of scandals.
The third revival came in the 1960s in opposition to the civil rights movement, which in the Klan's eyes threatened segregation.
The KKK name was used by a number of independent groups – many members of which were convicted of murders of civil rights workers.
One of the KKK's most violent actions was the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963 – an attack which killed four young girls.
Today, it is thought there are at least 5,000 members of various KKK chapters in the United States.
What has Donald Trump said about the KKK and white supremacists?
Donald Trump blasted the KKK and neo-Nazis as 'repugnant' after being criticised for not singling out the far-right violence following the horrific car assault in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Far-right groups had gathered on August 12 to protest the decision to bring down the statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee.
Activist Richard Spencer and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke attended the demonstrations.
Heather Hyer, 32, died after being hit by the car, with her family saying she had been marching in a cry for social justice.
During his statement at the White House, the Trump denounced racism as “evil” and singled out the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis as “repugnant.”
He said: “Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.”
Trump had attracted criticism for not being strong enough following the terrifying car assault.
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