Target withdraws clown Halloween costume after accusations of racist imagery
Target removed a children’s clown costume criticized for resembling blackface and issued an apology, saying the item should never have been sold.
Target announced on Monday that it has taken down a children’s Halloween costume after it was condemned for evoking blackface and minstrel-show stereotypes. The outfit, marketed as a "Kids' Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown," featured a black-and-orange bodysuit, hood with an exaggerated smile and a mini top hat, and was modeled by a Black child in a pose that observers linked to Jim Crow-era caricatures.
"We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer for sale. As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," Target said in a statement posted to social media.
"We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and we are looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again," the retailer added.
The decision follows broader criticism of Target’s recent rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and previous consumer boycotts. Commentators on social media described the approval process for the costume as a failure, with one user asking, "What year is it?"