Target pulls controversial Halloween costume after backlash
Target removed a children’s Halloween costume that critics said resembled racist minstrel imagery and issued an apology, while the retailer continues to recover from earlier controversies and a rollback of diversity initiatives.
Target announced on Monday that it has withdrawn a children’s Halloween costume after it drew criticism on social media for evoking imagery associated with Jim Crow-era minstrel shows. The company said the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown" outfit, which featured a mask with large teeth, gloves and a top hat, was offensive and should never have been sold.
"As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale," Target said in a statement.
"We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won't happen again," the retailer added.
The incident comes as Target’s sales have begun to rebound after earlier controversies that led to a decline in market value and a suspension of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program. The retailer has been expanding stores, investing in remodels and reporting a 52-week high share price in August.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder said inventory and product-selection errors can occur at large retailers, but praised Target’s swift removal of the item and public apology.
Activists who have been urging a boycott of Target since the company ended its DEI reporting say the costume controversy underscores their concerns. Rev. Jamal Bryant described the outfit as a "profoundly harmful symbol of racism" and called for internal changes. Organizers in Minneapolis reiterated that the boycott will continue until Target restores its DEI commitments.