Activists protest Target in Minneapolis over racist Halloween costume

Activists protest Target in Minneapolis over racist Halloween costume

Business Society

Activists gathered outside Target's headquarters in Minneapolis on 28 August, demanding an explanation for a children's Halloween costume that critics said resembled blackface, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reported. Target said it had withdrawn the clown costume on 23 August after accusations that its design echoed minstrel-era blackface imagery and issued an apology, saying the item should never have been sold.

The controversy sent the retailer's shares down about 5% in early trading, KSL News noted. The removal had been reported by multiple outlets, including Yahoo and PBS, which described the design as resembling blackface.

Actors

Target

Locations

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Articles

August 28, 2026
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Civil rights groups protest Target over controversial Halloween costume
Civil rights groups protest Target over controversial Halloween costume

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul • 28 Aug 16:56

Activists gathered outside Target's Minneapolis headquarters demanding an explanation for a racially offensive children's costume that was briefly sold, after the retailer removed the item and apologized.

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August 26, 2026
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Target pulls controversial Halloween costume after backlash
Target pulls controversial Halloween costume after backlash

PBS • 26 Aug 22:26

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.

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Target pulls controversial Halloween costume after backlash
Target pulls controversial Halloween costume after backlash

NPR • 26 Aug 05:45

Target removed a children’s Halloween costume that critics said resembled minstrel-era racist imagery and issued an apology, while boycott activists continue to press the retailer on its diversity policies.

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August 25, 2026
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Target shares fall 5% after Halloween costume controversy
Target shares fall 5% after Halloween costume controversy

KSL News • 25 Aug 16:16

Target's stock slipped about 5% in early trading following an apology and removal of a clown costume criticized for resembling blackface, amid ongoing criticism from activists and investors.

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Target withdraws clown Halloween costume after accusations of racist imagery
Target withdraws clown Halloween costume after accusations of racist imagery

Yahoo • 25 Aug 02:14

Target removed a children’s clown costume criticized for resembling blackface and issued an apology, saying the item should never have been sold.

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Target pulls controversial clown costume after social media backlash
Target pulls controversial clown costume after social media backlash

CNN • 25 Aug 02:06

Target removed a Halloween clown costume that critics said resembled blackface, apologized for the product and said it would review its approval process.

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Target withdraws controversial clown costume after criticism
Target withdraws controversial clown costume after criticism

USA Today • 25 Aug 00:20

Target has removed a Halloween clown outfit that drew criticism for resembling blackface, apologizing and saying it will review its product approval process.

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August 24, 2026
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Target withdraws clown Halloween costume after criticism it resembled racist imagery
Target withdraws clown Halloween costume after criticism it resembled racist imagery

KSL.com • 24 Aug 19:56

Target said it has removed a kids' clown Halloween costume from its stores after backlash that the outfit evoked blackface and minstrel show stereotypes, apologizing for the product.

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Target pulls children’s Halloween costume after accusations of racist imagery
Target pulls children’s Halloween costume after accusations of racist imagery

Newsweek • 24 Aug 16:31

Target removed a clown costume from its online catalog and issued an apology after social-media users said the outfit resembled black-face caricatures, prompting calls for a boycott.

Credibility 71% Manip. 9% Center

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